Hang glider pilot dead in Idaho air show accident
A hang glider pilot died Saturday following an accident at the Gunfighter Skies air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. CBS affiliate KBOI-TV reports that Dan Buchanan was transported by air ambulance but later died of his injuries.
Col. Joseph Kunkel called Buchanan a friend and a hero and said he performed in the event for the last 36 years. Kunkel said it was too early to determine what caused the accident but said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating.
One witness noticed the hang glider pilot making steep drops trying to get to the ground.
"We didn't realize what was happening and then he went down," Tom Maxwell told KBOI-TV. "We continue to pray for him and his family."
Our aerial demonstration for today at Gunfighter Skies 2018 was canceled due to a tragic glider mishap at Mountain Home Air Force Base.
— Thunderbirds (@AFThunderbirds) June 2, 2018
The collective hearts of the entire U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are with Dan Buchanan, his family, his friends and his demonstration team. pic.twitter.com/E6dsPUVWau
According to the Air Force base's website, the "Gunfighter Skies Air & Space Celebration" was taking place Saturday and Sunday. It was celebrating its 75th anniversary.
The remainder of Saturday's events were canceled, but the event continued Sunday and focused on paying tribute to Buchanan's memory.
"I'm extremely proud of the valiant effort that our first responders had," Kunkel said. "Mountain Home Air Force Base is continuing to respond to this and they way we're doing that is we're providing support to Dan his family his friends and frankly the community that was here at the airshow today."
The Mountain Home Air Force Base is located about 50 miles southeast of Boise.
Today at Gunfighter Skies we will be memorializing Dan Buchanan and his 36 year long legacy. He put smiles on the faces...
Posted by Mountain Home Air Force Base Gunfighters on Sunday, June 3, 2018