Aftermath Plane Crash at Martinsburg Airshow

A Trojan Horsemen aircraft has crashed at the Thunder Over the Blueridge open house and airshow during the tribute to the Armed Forces segment.

The aircraft was part of a six-plane formation from the T-28 Torjan Horsemen Warbird Formation Acrobatic Team, which is the only such team in the world.

"Their performance is a patriotic 'Salute to the Armed Forces' choreographed to music. The aircraft are North American T-28 Trojans with 1425 HP radial engines, smoke systems, and sport authentic military paint schemes. The team consists of former military pilots, decorated veterans, instructors, airline pilots, and experienced civilian air show pilots. The team is affiliated with Veterans Airlift Command which provides free air transportation to veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes," said Nicolas Diehl when announcing the act in June for the airshow.

The crash occurred during a stunt where two Horsemen were flying belly-to-belly. After the aircrafts split, the plane that was heading west out of the maneuver lost control, rolled and crashed on the runway in front of the hangers.

National Guard officials and representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration are on scene investigating the accident.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• martinsburg
• crash
• accident
• airshow
• plane
• 167th

[TheKaylaSueee]

The pilot did not make it. :(

[karlhafer]

@TheKaylaSueee Thats what I thought. Some idiot on the bus thought it wise to make an announcement that "the pilot had survived." 

[BigDMcCormick]

@guitarbridgecleaner Think about how many airshows go on everyday throughout the country without a single incident. When things go wrong, it makes big news, and the fact that two incidents happened in the same week highlights that, but if you look at the statistics, flying is still much safer than driving a car, or walking down the street in the "hood". Dont ban something just because an accident happened, airshows are a traditional american pastime.

[UnitedJetSetter]

WOW! I have been going to air shows since I was young and never witnessed any crash. I have been to this air show a few times too. I was planning on going tomorrow but I guess I won't now if they are going to cancel the aerial part of it. This is so sad... I can only imagine what was going through the pilot's mind...

[JaredGamerGuy]

I live right across the street from it. They are still having it sunday but their not having the actual "air show" just the booths and plane displays.

[coolhacky]

@oconnorjr65

I hear Sundays portion of the show is cancelled.

[pmnery]

Also this IS THE THIRD crash in THREE weeks....

[pmnery]

I was there..... I was a few feet behind the person taking this video I recognise the people in it.... After the plane hit there was a huge thud that you could feel in your chest. No one moved... Heck what could we do. The ambulance never moved after they got to him, we dont know; but he couldnt have made it. Please pray for his family...