Aircraft Experiences Engine Fire During Anniversary Flyover

A Wright B Flyer replica aircraft was forced to execute an emergency landing after experiencing an engine fire in flight. The pilots, fortunately, were able to walk away unharmed. 

The aircraft took off from Wright Patterson Air Force Base (AFB) at around 4:47 pm. It was performing an aerial flyover as part of Wright Field's 97th anniversary celebration. Then, at approximately 5:07 pm, it experienced a malfunction that led to the engine catching fire. 

The Wright B Flyer Museum in Dayton is investigating the forced emergency landing. Currently, the museum is working to both preserve the aircraft and examine it in hopes of pinpointing blame for the malfunction.

“A Wright B Flyer replica, performing an aerial flyover had a malfunction that caused the engine to catch fire, resulting in an emergency landing,” the base said in a statement.

The Wright B Flyer Museum, which owns the aircraft, has yet to provide details on the pilots themselves.

“Just know that the pilots did an incredible job landing it, and they walked away from it, and are just fine,” commented Don Adams, museum President. He also applauded the WPAFB Fire & EMS for their efficient response to the scene.

The aircraft involved is believed to be N1217B, nicknamed “White Bird.” The museum’s original Wright B replica was the “Brown Bird.” This took flight in 1982 and was used for performances and displays.

Around 10 years ago, funds were donated to the museum to launch the White Bird Project. It was constructed in the museum’s Miamisburg, Ohio, facilities and made its first flight in fall 2021. Since then, it has been showcased at the Dayton Airshow, parade and car shows, on YouTube, and on flights to Batavia, Wright-Patterson AFB, and the historical Huffman Prairie.

FMI: www.wright-b-flyer.org