The pilot of a CF-18 fighter jet that crashed in southern Alberta is in stable condition. He managed to eject at the last moment as the aircraft struck the ground and exploded, sending a massive fireball into the air.

A spokesperson said Saturday that the pilot, Capt. Brian Bews, is in "good spirits" and "his condition is stable."

"As for the cause if the crash, an investigation has been launched," Capt. Holly Brown from 17 Wing in Winnipeg told CTV.ca by email.

"The investigation will take as long as it needs to properly examine the incident and take whatever actions are necessary to ensure the safe operation of these aircraft."

She said the crash has not affected the military's CF-18 operations.

Bews is stationed in Quebec and the CF-18 he was flying was used for airshows only. It crashed at the Lethbridge County Airport on Friday, in front of horrified onlookers.

Photos taken immediately after the jet's impact show Bews parachuting to the ground, just metres away from a huge fireball.

At the time of the crash, the pilot was practising aerial maneuvers in advance of the Alberta International Airshow, which begins on today.

Officials from CFB Cold Lake said the pilot used a parachute to eject. However, he still hit the ground hard, they said.

The Defence Department website states Bews realized his dream to fly the CF-18 Hornet in 2004.

The CF-18 has been in service for nearly three decades. Several have crashed in recent years.

Earlier this month, controversy erupted after Ottawa announced that it would spend billions to purchase the new F-35 fighter as a replacement for the aging CF-18s.

With files from CTV Edmonton and The Canadian Press