Canadian pilot escapes fighter jet crash

A Canadian fighter pilot is recovering in the hospital after his jet crashed during a practice run at an airshow in southern Alberta.

Witnesses say they saw the jet going back and forth doing manoeuvres, then it plummetted to the ground in a big, orange ball of fire and smoke.

Some witnesses say that after ejecting, the pilot narrowly missed being hit by the plane.

Kathy Wollocha, past president of the Lethbridge air show, says her understanding is the pilot is doing well and is making jokes.

Officials say the pilot is Captain Brian Bews from 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron and is based at 3 Wing in Bagotville, Quebec.

Airshow president Robb Engen says while the airport was closed to all incoming and outgoing flights, the air show will go ahead as scheduled.

No one on the ground was hurt.