Page 8 - March2020

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March 2 ,1956, the formation team did not get a chance to take off on their first mission until
approximately 1:45 pm that afternoon. The mission was to be a rather routine practice flight with
nothing new involved. Regrettably, at approximately 2:20 pm the team crashed in close formation
while recovering from what was likely a looping manoeuvre. The accident investigation board did a
thorough investigation of all aspects of the team's operation to that time and the actual accident itself,
but were unable to pinpoint exactly what went wrong that day.

The 5th member of 4 Wing, Les Price, was the soloist and didn't fly that day. He went on to have a
successful career in the RCAF and told me that while he loved flying the Sabre, his favorite aircraft of
all was the F-104 which he stated was just simply amazing. Les died peacefully at his home on Salt
Spring Island in British Columbia years later.

It only seems right, that after 64 years, the team is together again.

I would ask that everyone take a moment and remember the men/crew of the Sky Lancers,
as I remember my uncle, F/O Ed Welters. R.I.P. and soar high with the angels!

Bryan Cousineau