Wing-Walking Act, Featuring Jane Wicker and Charlie Schwenker, Results In Fatalities
The 2013 Dayton International Airshow has been the scene of a tragedy for a much favored wing-walker and her pilot. Jane Wicker and Charlie Schwenker were reported dead after a 1245 (local time, Saturday) performance.
Video of the accident shows a transition to a low-level inverted pass, with her sitting upside down (but rightside up at the conclusion of the inverted transition) that appears to have gone wrong as the aircraft either stalled or started the executed of a roll reversal (opposite the previous direction of rotation) and impacted the ground. The 450HP Stearman biplane, known as 'Aurora' was consumed by a significant post-impact fire.
The Dayton Airshow officials released the following statement early this afternoon: On Saturday June 22, 2013 at approximately 1:00 PM a wing-walk performer had a fatal accident while performing at the 2013 Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger. Although no official announcement has been made, show officials believe that the two performers involved did not survive. The accident was isolated and no other injuries were reported. FAA and other officials are on site investigating the incident. Air show officials have announced that the Saturday show flying operations have been cancelled and normal operations will resume on Sunday. The show will honor Saturday's tickets at Sunday's show.
ANN will present more info as it is disseminated and confirmed. We offer our prayers and sympathies to the families and friends of these gifted performers...
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