FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Two Ghost Squadron planes clipped wings while performing a maneuver on Sunday during the Fort Lauderdale Air Show.
It was a close call during a formation. The show continued. Chris Dirato, the publicist for the show, said the pilots returned to base safely.
“It’s a demo show. Things can happen. It’s about how you handle them,” Dirato said.
This year’s performer lineup included the Thunderbirds, the A-10 Thunderbolt II and U.S. Navy F-18 Rhino demo teams, the US Special Operations Command’s Para-Commandos, a Coast Guard SAR Demo, Kevin Coleman, and the Red Bull teams.
“They are very skilled aviators,” Dirato said.
Officials with the Federal Aviation Administration said they are investigating the incident and said the agency has to approve any air shows and whether participants can do the maneuvers safely.
Video taken by Frog Railfanning on YouTube captured the incident:
The ticket options ranged from about $190 “Flight Line Club” private boxes for up to four people, and the $37.50 “Drop Zone Beach” area with access to food stands and restrooms.
State Road A1A turned into a pedestrian-only road for the event. There was public parking at the Galleria Mall on Sunrise Boulevard areas. The U.S. Coast Guard also set up a “Safety Zone” for boaters.
The gates, at 3109 E. Sunrise Boulevard and 1900-2000 N. Ocean Boulevard, opened at 9 a.m., on Sunday.