Pilot Killed As Plane Crashes At Florida Air Show

STUART, FL — A pilot was killed when his plane crashed Friday on the first day of the Stuart Air Show in Florida, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office posted photos of the downed aircraft on social media and said the pilot was set to take part in the air show when his plane crashed on a runway extension at Whitham Field.

The crash forced the cancellation of Friday's performances.

"We hope to hold the day air show at its regularly scheduled time, tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019," event organizers said on Friday. "We are rescheduling our evening air show for tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at 6 p.m."

Organizers said the TD Bank Dirty Flight Suit Party planned for Friday would also be held on Saturday at 6 p.m.

FAA spokesman Rick Breitenfeldt said the Grumman OV 1 Mohawk crashed at 1:15 p.m. on the approach end of Runway 1.

"Only the pilot was aboard," Breitenfeldt said.

He said the FAA was investigating the crash while the National Transportation Safety Board would determine the probable cause of the incident.

Featured performers at the show include an F16 Viper Demo Team, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team and John Klatt Airshows “Screamin Sasquatch Jet Waco.”

Event organizers said general admission tickets from Friday night would be honored Saturday night or to either day shows on Saturday or Sunday.

The Stuart Air Show runs through Sunday at Witham Field, 1895 Flying Fortress Lane.