Air Force
Severe weather forces cancellation of Sunday portion of McConnell AFB’s Frontiers in Flight Air Show
Staff and wire reports
August 25, 2024
A slow-moving storm brought wind gusts in excess of 50 mph to the McConnell flight line, according to a statement from McConnell Air Force Base. (Kansas Highway Patrol/Facebook)
Weather dominated the Frontiers in Flight Air Show at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kan.
On Saturday, it was heat: 115 people needed medical care for heat-related conditions; 17 were taken to a hospital.
On Sunday, it was a severe storm: Significant damage forced cancellation of Day 2 of the show. Photos from the Kansas Highway Patrol showed some of the damage.
A lightning strike at McConnell Air Force Base on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024. A slow-moving storm brought wind gusts in excess of 50 mph to the McConnell flight line, according to a statement from McConnell Air Force Base. (Kansas Highway Patrol/Facebook)
“A slow-moving storm brought wind gusts in excess of 50mph to the McConnell flight line,” according to a news release from the base. “Because of damage to services, we are unable to execute a safe air show. While we apologize for this late cancellation and regret having to make this decision, safety is always our first priority at McConnell.”
Ten people received minor injuries during the storm, and two of them were taken to a hospital. None was a spectator.
Of the ten injured, six were military medical personnel, and four were civilian vendors. All were outside on the flight line when damaging winds rolled through.
On Saturday, the show drew 65,000 people and featured aerial performers and static displays from around the world, as well as military recruiters, the Anheuser-Busch Budweiser Clydesdales, exotic cars, food concessions, souvenir vendors, a Kid Zone and more.
Here are some of the photos from Saturday:
The Blue Angels preform at the Frontiers in Flight Air Show on Aug. 24, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (Paula Arce/U.S. Air Force)
The Blue Angels preform at the Frontiers in Flight Air Show on Aug. 24, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (Paula Arce/U.S. Air Force)
The Blue Angels preform at the Frontiers in Flight Air Show on Aug. 24, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (Paula Arce/U.S. Air Force)
The Blue Angels preform at the Frontiers in Flight Air Show on Aug. 24, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (Paula Arce/U.S. Air Force)
Families enjoy the Frontiers in Flight Air Show on Aug. 24, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (Paula Arce/U.S. Air Force)
Airmen and their families enjoy the Frontiers in Flight Air Show on Aug. 24, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (Gavin Hameed/U.S. Air Force)
22nd Security Forces Squadron Airmen pose with McConnell air show mascot Duke Boomcat on Aug. 24 at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (Gavin Hameed/U.S. Air Force)
Families are greeted by McConnell Air show mascot Duke Boomcat on Aug. 24 at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (Gavin Hameed/U.S. Air Force)
Families take a tour of a KC-46A Pegasus on Aug. 24 at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (Gavin Hameed/U.S. Air Force)
Airmen and their families enjoy the Frontiers in Flight Air Show on Aug. 24, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (Gavin Hameed/U.S. Air Force)
Airmen assigned to the 344th Air Refueling squadron pose for a photo Aug. 24 at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (Gavin Hameed/U.S. Air Force)
A Budweiser Clydesdales team trots around the Frontiers in Flight Air Show on Aug. 24, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (Gavin Hameed/U.S. Air Force)
Families enjoy the Frontiers in Flight Air Show on Aug. 24, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (Paula Arce/U.S. Air Force)
Families enjoy the Frontiers in Flight Air Show on Aug. 24, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (Paula Arce/U.S. Air Force)
Families tour a A C-5M Super Galaxy on Aug. 24 at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (Gavin Hameed/U.S. Air Force)
Contributing: The Wichita Eagle (TNS).