RELATED: Thunderbird jet overturns before Dayton Air Show
Capt. Erik Gonsalves, the pilot and team narrator, and his passenger, Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Cordova, a tactical aircraft maintainer, were taken to a local hospital where they were reported in good condition. Cordova has been released from the hospital.
An investigation into the cause of the accident was under way.
A decision on whether the Thunderbirds will fly on Sunday has not yet been announced.
The lineup of 11 acts today includes an F-35 Lightning II and P-51 Mustang flying in tandem, a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet demonstration, aerobatic legend Sean D. Tucker and several other performers. More than 50 aircraft will be on display on the tarmac.
“We still have a lot of aircraft here, a lot more coming, a lot more for people to see and do once they get on the grounds,” said air show spokesman Roger Doctor.
Record rainfall Friday caused air show organizers to put in place an alternative parking plan that will direct motorists to paved parking areas and away from muddy fields near the airport, organizers say. Directional signs and police officers will direct motorists where to go.
Two general admission lots will be located at the former Emery Freight Building on Old Springfield Road and at Butler High School on Dixie Highway. Shuttle buses to the air show will run continuously .
Pavilion and Chalet ticket holders with a P-Lot parking pass on their rear view mirror will be routed to a new lot off Northwoods Boulevard at the former Mahle building, organizers said. Chairman’s Club and VIP parking pass holders should follow VIP directional signage to park on a paved area near the main show gate, according to the air show.
Busing air show attendees may take longer than usual, but Doctor said the plan will get everyone inside the gate. “The thing that I really want to emphasize to everybody is that there will be busing for everybody,” he said.
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The Greater Dayton RTA will offer continual shuttle service from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to the show’s main gate for $3. Hourly shuttle service is also available from the Wright Stop Plaza in downtown Dayton to the air show main gate. RTA fares from downtown to the airport will apply, organizers say.
The service will be provided between 8 a.m.to 6 p.m. both days, according to the air show.
The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with a chance for a pop up shower and temperatures in the 70s today and Sunday.
The air show is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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