Crashed jet's pilot in good condition

One of Canada's top jet fighter pilots is in good condition in hospital following the crash of his jet in Lethbridge, Alta., on Friday.

Capt. Brian Bews ejected from his CF-18 Hornet as the plane plunged toward the ground.

He is in good spirits and his condition is stable, the Department of National Defence said in an email Saturday to CBC reporter Bryan Labby. 

Bews remains in hospital despite an earlier report that he had been released.

"He was very lucid and very clear after the ejection," a fellow pilot said Friday.

The crash happened as Bews was practicing for the Alberta International Airshow. 

"He just made a loop and arrowed right into the ground," witness Paul Dumouchel said.

At the time of the low-level crash Dumouchel doubted the pilot could have survived it, but Bews reportedly escaped the ordeal with only minor injuries.

The Defence Department is investigating the crash.

The air show is going ahead with performances scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.