Canada aerobatic pilot died after seatbelt failed

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug 20 (Reuters) A Canadian military pilot, killed when his jet crashed during practice for a Montana air show in May, lost control of the aircraft after his seatbelt became unfastened, investigators said today.

Capt Shawn McCaughey of the Snowbird aerobatic team was rolling his aircraft upside down for a photo fly-by when the restraint gave way and he fell out of his seat, according to the Canadian military's Directorate of Flight Safety.

McCaughey's jet trainer crashed near the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana, where the Snowbirds were preparing to participate in a weekend air show.

Investigators said they are still trying to determine why the seatbelt became unfastened.

Reuters CS VP0100