Pilot survives Snowbird jet crash in Thunder Bay, Ont.

A Canadian Forces Snowbird aerial demonstration jet crashed on its way to an airshow Wednesday in Thunder Bay, in northwestern Ontario.

The plane exploded in a rural field, moments after the pilot -- 39-year-old Capt. Andrew Mackay of Orleans, Ont. -- ejected safely. Mackay was treated in hospital and released.

Mackay, in his fourth year with the Snowbirds, has more than 4,800 hours of military flying experience.

Local resident Dennis Trevisanutto Jr., who was standing on the deck of his home when he saw the crash, said he rescued the pilot after he saw the parachute descending. "I looked out and I could see him parachuting down into the woods. So I thought I'd take a ride over there and see if I could find him or pick him up... When I first saw him I asked if he was OK, and he said yes and said his engines failed."

Trevisanutto drove with the pilot to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

The Snowbirds fly Canadair CT-114 Tutors, which are more than 30 years old. The last one came off the assembly line in 1966 -- before most of the pilots were born. However, the pilots have defended the program, saying the aircraft are safe and the shows they put on are part of the Canadian cultural fabric.

On Dec. 10, 2004, two Snowbirds jets crashed in mid-air during a practice near Mossbank, Sask. One pilot, Capt. Miles Selby, 31, was killed, and the other, Capt. Chuck Mallett, sustained minor injuries.

This is the Snowbirds' 35th season. They dedicated their performances this year to Captain Selby.