Here’s what to know today about the Dayton Air Show:
1. THUNDERBIRDS MISHAP Plans for a jam-packed schedule, highlighted by several military acts, took a turn when a two-seat F-16 Thunderbird jet overturned at the airport after landing Friday. The mishap trapped the pilot and passenger until they were freed by first responders hours later. Both were hospitalized and reported in good condition. One team member has been released, but Thunderbirds Capt. Erik Gonsalves remains in Miami Valley Hospital.
2. ATTENDANCE DOWN Officials said approximately 44,000 people attended the air show, down 30 percent. Last year, the show drew 51,000 people, despite the Blue Angels canceling an appearance in Dayton after a fatal crash involving a pilot during a practice air show in Tennessee. Air show executive director Terry Grevious said it will be weeks until air show officials know how this year's show did financially. The air show is solvent and has a fund balance to cover potential losses, he added.
The GEICO Skytypers fly in a close formation. @daytondailynews @DaytonAirShow @WHIORadio pic.twitter.com/O1g1MLjyMj
— Kara Driscoll (@KaraDDriscoll) June 25, 2017
» RELATED: Air show thrills despite Thunderbirds cancellation
3. PARKING PROBLEMS Air show organizers also had to contend with record rainfall of nearly 2.7 inches Friday that caused authorities to impose an alternative parking plan onto paved lots last weekend and busing spectators in. Officials acknowledged the change caused delays Saturday of perhaps up to an hour at peak times.
4. PLENTY OF ACTS The top attractions instead included a U.S. Air Force F-35 Heritage Flight and U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet demonstration along with Sean Tucker, Misty Blues All Woman Skydiving Team, GEICO Skytypers, Redline Airshows, Rob Holland Ultimate Air Shows, Suzuki Aerosports and a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the famous Doolittle Raid.
5. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES Bill Mangas, medical operations manager for the air show, said his team saw fewer medical emergencies this year compared to 2016. On Saturday, the team treated 17 patients and sent one to a local hospital. On Sunday, the team treated an estimated 36 patients by 3 p.m., and sent three of them to local hospitals. Mangas attributed the decline in medical emergencies to cooler temperatures.
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