Airshow Accident

[Jay Beckman]

Apparently Kyle and Amanda Franklin were both badly burned as a result of a forced landing at an airshow in Brownsville, TX.

Amanda was on the wing when the problem started but was able to get back in the plane.

http://m.brownsvilleherald.com/news/fiesta-123823-air-crash.html

[Chris Kennedy]

That family has a tragic air show history. Both of their fathers were killed in an mid-air collision at a show in Canada in 2005. There is a memorial page on their web site.

http://www.franklinairshow.com/

[cpasley]

Im in absolute shock ,I have followed the Franklins since I saw Jimmy perform at my first airshow at El Toro in '86' and its one of those situations that I dont really care if they fly again I just want, no I need them to survive just too much tragedy in that family already

[Chris Kennedy]

There is a relatively upbeat report on the condition of the Franklins from Amanda's brother, Matt Younkin, at this URL.

http://indytransponder.blogspot.com/2011/03/franklin-update-from-matt-younkin-03.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+IndyTransponder+%28Indy+Transponder%29

[Chris Kennedy]

Sadly, Amanda Franklin has been taken off much of the life support equipment and is not expected to live much longer.

http://www.facebook.com/notes/franklins-flying-circus/amanda-5-26-11-day-75/204643402910539

[Jay Beckman]

Amanda passed away at 10:10 CDT tonight.   

[cpasley]

Oh my god, I thought they were both doing ok, what a blow to the airshow circuit, I am deeply saddend by this..............

[Bubak]

http://www.aopa.org/aircraft/articles/2011/110528airshow_performer_amanda_franklin_dies.html

[Jay Beckman]

I just got a very interesting email from an ATC guy in Texas.

I have "RIP Amanda" in my signature line over on POTN and he dropped me a note to let me know that a Twin Beech passed through his airspace today, call sign "Amanda 1"

As far as he knew, despite it not being an official handle, every ATC facility used it for the entire flight.

I thought this was a wonderful little anecdote worth sharing.

[Chris Kennedy]

Good story.

That was probably Matt Younkin who flew from home in Fayetteville, AR to San Antonio (where Amanda had been hospitalized at the Brooke Army Hospital) today.

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N9109R/history/20110531/1833Z/KSLG/KSSF

[Chris Janes]

That was probably Matt Younkin who flew from home in Fayetteville, AR to San Antonio (where Amanda had been hospitalized at the Brooke Army Hospital) today.

Brookes would not release the body of Amanda due to the paperwork not being completed because of the Memorial Day weekend. Kyle was not very happy from my understanding and rightfully so. The medical staff I am sure provided the best care possible, the administration failed on this one.
I would guess Amanda will be flown back in N9109R.
Blue skies Amanda

[Jay Beckman]

According to a family member via Facebook, it was Matt flying Amanda home.

Services are set for June 7th.