Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Ohio air show attendance down after Thunderbirds cancel

Thunderbirds Accident Ohio

Ty Greenlees /Dayton Daily News / AP

Authorities say an Air Force Thunderbirds jet preparing for an air show was involved in an accident on Friday, June 23, 2017 at Dayton International Airport in Ohio.

DAYTON, Ohio — An Ohio air show's attendance was lower than expected after the Air Force Thunderbirds cancelled performances when an F-16D fighter jet left the runway and flipped over upon landing during preparation for the show.

Organizers estimate 44,000 spectators attended the Vectren Dayton Air Show this weekend. Expectations were for 60,000 or more.

The two team members on the plane were hospitalized after Friday's accident.

The Thunderbirds are based at Nellis Air Force Base in North Las Vegas. They say the pilot remained hospitalized in good condition Monday. The other team member was released Friday night.

Officials say crowds can reach 65,000 or more when military demonstration squads participate.

Organizers estimated 51,000 spectators attended last year, despite cancellation by the Navy's Blue Angels after one of their pilots was killed practicing for an air show in Tennessee.