John Thornton

Student

Nine Canadian Forces members and a United States exchange pilot were killed at CFB Edmonton (formerly known as CFB Namao) in a tragic mid-air collision and fiery crash involving two Lockheed CC-130 Hercules transport planes. The accident happened during a ceremonial fly-past to mark the 61st anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force in front of an assembled crowd. All five crew members from each plane were killed; eight airmen were members of 435 Squadron (Edmonton, Alberta) and two airmen were members of 429 Squadron (Winnipeg, Manitoba). Fortunately, no one on the ground was killed.

Captain Thornton was one of the airmen who perished in this tragic crash.