The scene at Sun 'n Fun at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport turned to chaos on Thursday as a strong storm hammered the show site, flipping airplanes, knocking out power to the exhibit halls, collapsing several tents, and injuring at least seven people. The National Weather Service reported confirmed tornadoes in the area, and said more than 70 people were trapped inside one collapsed tent. Even though the first couple of days of the show were largely storm free, the week continued to be defined by heavy rain that soaked the grounds the day before the festivities started and kept thousands of airplanes from arriving in Lakeland. Despite the slow start to the week, some vendors reported doing good business even with the smaller crowds. Launch events by Aspen, Piper, Garmin and Cessna generated a good deal of buzz at the show, and as the week progressed and the scattered areas of decent weather surfaced, the mood of show goers seemed decidedly upbeat. But on Thursday morning Sun 'n Fun attendees awoke to heavy rains and threatening skies before a massive storm cell swept through the area late in the morning. A tornado warning for the area remained in effect on Thursday afternoon.
Related Articles
Aerial follow-up to Cars set to debut in August.
GPS and ADS-B systems could be vulnerable.
Kit manufacturer heeds NTSB advice.
All Comments
Superb european invention !
Americans could not build a Concorde either and they areforever it seems sticking with more than 50 year old designs over and over again on all aircraft !
737 - 747- C171 - etc etc
The engines are all the same and the noise are ever present !
This could change the Flying world !
Sun 'n Fun should be moved to Tucson AZ! this time of year we have cool mornings, quiet calm days, NO RAIN, and NO TORADOS. Plenty of aircraft parking, entertainment, beautiful mountains, what more could you ask for? Great flying 365 days of the year!
NAVYDOC. Also, there is the outstanding Pima Air Museum and the Military aircraft mothball facility. Yes, AZ is best!!!
NAVYDOC. Also, there is the outstanding Pima Air Museum and the Military aircraft mothball facility. Yes, AZ is best!!!
Good afternoon Tessan. Americans chose not to build a concorde type. That is much different than being unable to do so. The Concorde builders were doomed when they began discussing the issue. We have plenty of our own boondoggles to remember.
Abercrombie
