Pilot And Wing Walker Crash At Air Show

Wing Walker And Pilot Dead In Fiery Crash

DAYTON, OH. -- A stunt pilot and a female wing walker were instantly killed as their biplane crashed into the ground Saturday in Dayton.

Officials have not released the identities of the victims, but Jane Wicker was a veteran pilot and wing walker with 25-years experience and on the program today at the Dayton Air Show. The pilot of the stunt plane was Charlie Schwenker.

The graphic video by WHIO TV shows the plane low to the ground turning upside down as part of the show, but then failing to keep straight and level, then crashing quickly to the ground within several seconds due to the extreme low level maneuver.

Officials from Punta Gorda's Florida International Air Show, where the flying act had performed in March said this afternoon, "The Florida International Air Show is mourning the loss of Wing Walker Jane Wicker and her pilot who were tragically killed earlier today while performing at the Vectren Dayton Airshow.

“So sad to hear Jane Wicker just died in a crash at the Dayton Air Show. What a privilege it was to meet and visit with her, and fly in Aurora. The Air Show community lost an amazing individual today”, said Lindsey Barfield, Director of Marketing, FIAS.

"The entire Air Show community sends our condolences and prayers to the families of Jane and pilot Charlie Schwenker. She was an integral part of our Air Show family and will be greatly missed. We feel blessed to have had her grace the skies of Southwest Florida this past March."