While Columbus Air Force Base plans to still hold Wings Over Columbus on April 21-22, it is still unknown whether the Thunderbirds will appear at the event.
U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Slot Pilot Thunderbird 4, Maj. Stephen Del Bagno was killed Wednesday in Nevada when his F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed during a routine aerial demonstration training flight.
The Air Force is conducting an investigation into the crash, and the Thunderbirds’ next show, “The March Field Air and Space Expo” at the March Air Reserve Base in California. A press release on the Thunderbirds’ website said the status of the other shows hasn’t been determined.
CAFB on Thursday expressed condolences for the death of the pilot and confirmed plans were still on to hold Wings Over Columbus.
“My planning team has been working for nearly a year preparing for Wings Over Columbus,” said Col. Doug Gosney, 14th Flying Training Wing commander, in a CAFB press release. “As our planning continues to move forward, we will explore all of our options for aerial performances.”
An estimated 50,000 people are expected to visit the area during Wings Over Columbus.
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