Crash at Dayton International Airshow

[Bunky F. Knuckle]

Guy/gals, I regret to inform you all here that there was a full scale crash at the Dayton International Airshow today. Certainly hate to see them happen, but on the other hand don't want to miss them. In all the years that dad and I have been going to that show with the show team, we have NEVER witnessed a full scale crash, until today. I was not there to witness this tragic incident, but madman Jim "Bulldog" LeRoy crashed his Pitts. Fry-Daddy was out there and called me just after it happened. Condition of LeRoy is uncertain as of yet. But hopefully was was able to exit his airplane without harm. From my understanding of this was he was doing downline consecutive snaprolls, and I guess 1 too many, when he tried to pull out, the plane didn't.

So, keep a thought around for a true airshow veteran and a MOTHER HUCKER, Jim LeRoy.

Once I know more about it, I'll post something.............

Thanks!

[Bunky F. Knuckle]

Guys, just got word from pops that Jim LeRoy has passed on. Word on the scene was that he fit flat on the mains, tanks errupted and after that it was all over but the crying....... So, truly a sad day in Full Scale Aviation...............

[ADMIN EDIT] Totally something that shouldn't be sensationalized Chris.

[50%plane]

I'm sorry to hear this. Many prayers and thoughts go out to his friends and family.


50%

[Bryant330L]

Man I hate to hear that.. Jim was my favorite airshow pilot. He put on a show unlike any other. I was afraid this would happen one day, but those guys live on the edge. I just hate it.

[mikeyj86]

oh man! I hate to here this. My friend just texted me, her dad is on his way up there for the investigation, works for the FBI. Its just sad to have this happen, especially since only a few years ago the 2 pilots he used to perform with, Bobby Younkin and Jimmy Franklin, passed away while performing as well. Just hate to see such a great talent go like that, he will be missed. May God be with his family at this time

[jaybenson]

I've seen Jim twice at sun-n-fun, nobody has ever been as agresive or pushed it like Jim, most awesome aerobatic performance I've ever seen. God Speed Jim. Thoughts and prayers to your friends and family.

[Silvanskii]

Me and Bunky met Jim in person a few years ago at Dayton. Truly a great guy and a helluva pilot. For better or worse I got it on video and saw the whole thing go down. God it makes me sick to my stomach.

A tragedy and a shame. Made worse by the fact that fire crews took a full 5 minutes to respond, but I don't think it made that much of a difference unfortunately. Deepest sympathies to his family which were present today, and also for Skip Stewart who put on a great low show earlier in the morning, and was flying with Jim at the time of the accident.

Well Jim, here's to feeling a little buffet at -11 G's and backing off a little.

[Edge 540]

I just posted a similar thread. He died in route to the hospital.

[airborneSGT]

Man thats terrible So many losses this week. He was an amazing pilot and former Marine.

There was also a pilot killed at the EAA airshow in addition to four killed in a helicopter accident.

[zivbit]

Last pictures....

[BubbaGump]

This was indeed a very sad day for all us aerobatic enthusiasts. I've been to many airshows but this was the first full scale crash we've seen. My dad and I were at the airshow as well and saw the whole trajedy. We had crew passes through my dad's connections with the Air Force and were looking forward to meeting Jim and Skip Stewart after the show. We were able to visit the plane before the show back at the hangar and snapped this photo. Little did I know how much I would cherish this photo for the rest of my life. Rest in peace Jim.

Forrest (Bubba Gump) Pilkenton

[BreadBowl]

Wow.

I am sick on my stomach. I really liked Jim, and this is really disheartening. May God be with his family and friends.