A heavy storm at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas on Sunday led to injuries and the cancellation of an airshow planned to attract thousands. The base reported 10 individuals sustained “minor injuries” during a slow-moving wet microburst, which brought heavy winds, lightning, and rain.
Among the injured were six military or medical personnel and four civilian vendors, according to base spokesperson John Van Winkle. Two, an airman and a civilian male, were taken to a local hospital. All were outside on the flight line when the winds hit.
Spectators had not yet entered the event area due to the weather. The McConnell Frontiers in Flight Airshow was called off earlier in the day because of the storm. The microburst lingered over the base in the morning, bringing wind gusts up to 54 mph to the flight line.
Storm damage at McConnell AFB in Wichita-Kansas this morning, severe weather at the McConnell AFB air show caused the event to be cancelled.
Statement : “Today’s portion of the McConnell Frontiers in Flight Airshow had to be cancelled today, after a slow-moving wet microburst… pic.twitter.com/SZ2MnW9vV7
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) August 25, 2024
Van Winkle stated that due to the damage, the base could not ensure a safe airshow, leading to the cancellation. Safety remains a top priority at McConnell, especially for community-hosted events.
Kansas State Trooper Joe Owen noted significant wind damage, including at least one injury. He confirmed the airshow’s cancellation in a Facebook post that featured a photo of an overturned airplane.
Saturday’s portion of the airshow had drawn over 65,000 visitors.
What Other Media Are Saying
- KWCH reports that the McConnell Air Show has been canceled due to severe weather forecasts, with organizers prioritizing safety amidst strong winds and thunderstorms.(read more)
- Stripes reports on the Frontiers in Flight air show at McConnell Air Force Base, showcasing the latest advancements in airpower, highlighting new aircraft, technologies, and demonstrations, aiming to inspire future generations of aviation professionals.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened at McConnell Air Force Base?
A heavy storm caused the cancellation of an airshow and injured 10 people.
How many people were injured at McConnell Air Force Base?
Ten people suffered minor injuries.
Were any spectators injured during the storm at McConnell Air Force Base?
No, spectators had not entered the event area when the storm occurred.
Why was the airshow at McConnell Air Force Base cancelled?
The airshow was cancelled due to a slow-moving wet microburst causing significant wind damage.
How strong were the wind gusts during the storm at McConnell Air Force Base?
The wind gusts reached up to 54 mph.