2 pilots dead after Moose Jaw air show collision

Transport investigators were travelling to Moose Jaw on Monday after a mid-air collision at an air show left two American stunt pilots dead.

Bobby Younkin and Jimmy Franklin were killed when their biplanes collided late Sunday afternoon at the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Air Show.

The pilots, part of a civilian aerobatics team called the Masters of Disaster, had been simulating a First World War dogfight.

Witness Dwayne Yuke said the 20,000 people watching the show at 15 Wing Moose Jaw fell silent as they watched the fireballs in the sky.

"It was horrible … there was lots of silence," said Yuke. "You've never heard so many people be so quiet."

"You sort of thought it was part of the show first and then fire crews went," said Lee Patrick, another eyewitness.

In minutes, emergency crews were on the scene, spraying foam on the fiery wreck.

A third plane taking part in the demonstration landed safely and no spectators were injured. Organizers cancelled the rest of the air show immediately.

The aerobatics team had been simulating a First World War dogfight CBC photo: Pat Hume

Clive Tolley, the executive director of the air show, said some of the victims' family members saw the crash.

• ABOUT JIMMY FRANKLIN: Biography

• BOBBY YOUNKIN'S WEBSITE: The aircraft

• X-TEAM WEBSITE: Condolences

"They're being taken care of, that's our first priority. The base chaplain is with them now," said Tolley.

Investigators with the Transportation Safety Board were scheduled to arrive in Moose Jaw Monday to begin the accident investigation.