Officials said that a pilot who was preparing for an airshow died in a plane accident after leaving a Pennsylvania airport.
According to the GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team, pilot Andy Travnicek died in a plane crash Friday afternoon after departing from Wilkes-Barre Scranton Airport. The team was due to perform at The Great Pocono Raceway Airshow on Saturday.
Carl Beardsley, airport director, stated that Travniceks plane was travelling north when it suddenly flew off and crashed into a building. This was according to The Associated Press.
GEICO Skytypers stated in a statement that an investigation into the matter is underway. The team works with the Federal Aviation Administration, local law enforcement and the National Transportation Safety Board. We are thinking of Andy's family and wife.
The air show team stated that Travnicek lived in New Hampshire and was also a commercial pilot. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He served in Spain, Qatar, and Afghanistan.
According to GEICO Skytypers, he enjoyed flying warbirds in honor of U.S. servicemen and women from all eras and branches. Andy wanted to inspire young people to take up aviation careers and interests.
According to the AP, Travnicek was piloting a T-6 Texan which was scheduled to take part in the air show. Organisers of the Great Pocono Raceway Airshow said that the event would continue as planned thanks to the support from the GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team.
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will be performing at the airshow this weekend. They said that Travnicek was an exceptional pilot and friend.
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds collective heart is with Trav, his family and friends, as well as his demonstration team, during this time, the team shared via Facebook.
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