Future of Selfridge Air Show Acts Uncertain As Investigation Into Accident Continues

A memorial service has been scheduled for stuntman Todd Green who died Sunday from injuries sustained in a fall at the Selfridge Air Show.

Selfridge Air Show officials said Tuesday they are waiting for the results of a federal investigation into a fatal accident before determining whether any changes will be made to the popular show in Harrison Township, MI.

"We would be waiting for the results of the investigation, as far as seeing if anything would change for act selections." Capt. Penny Carroll, public affairs officer at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, said.

The base is working with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Traffic Safety Board in regards to the investigation.

Although the investigation into the fatal accident Sunday at the Selfridge Air Show is ongoing, wind was likely not a factor but a bird flying nearby may be under scrutiny.

"There is a video that shows a bird close to the airplane and that was turned over to federal officials," Carroll said.

Whether the bird played any role in the accident or stuntman Todd Green, 48, of Ann Arbor, lost his grip in the dangerous act is not known at this time.

Wind, however, was probably not a factor as Green attempted a plane-to-helicopter transfer during the show on Sunday. Green, who was not wearing a parachute, fell 200 feet at 1:30 p.m. He was pronounced dead at Mount Clemens Regional Medical Center about a half hour later.

He had successfully completed the daring aerial stunt Saturday afternoon before the crowd.

During the first day, the wind was 11 knots and at the time of the accident, it was 12 knots, Carroll said.

"Wind was very similar to what it was the day before."

Selfridge Death is One of Four 2011 Air Show Fatalities

According to the Virginia-based International Council of Air Shows, the fatal accident during the Selfridge Air Show is the fourth air show death in North America this year—including another one that took place on the same weekend in Kansas City, MO.

The council, which cites an average of 325-350 air shows in the United States and Canada each year, said there were no air show fatalities from 2008-10.

"I think that was a statistical anomaly that we had zero for three years running," John Cudahy, council president, said.

The average fatality for air shows in North America has generally been about one per year.

Cudahy also called the high number of air show deaths this year a fluke.

"There’s nothing different about the air shows this year," he said. "I believe it's just a question of bad luck.”

When it comes to safety measures for the various shows, the council gives participating organizers guidelines and tips, including those on emergency response plans.

“It is the principal focus and the next thing is a distant second place," Cudahy said of safety when speaking generally about air shows. "Hundreds and hundreds of manpower hours are focused on improving and maintaining safety.”

Green's death Sunday was not the first fatality during the Selfridge Air Show. In 1994, a plane crash during the show claimed the life of pilot Ray Mabrey. The base opened in 1917 and air races started soon after, bringing in spectators from all over.

Green, the son of legendary stuntman "Eddie The Grip Green," had been performing stunts for more than 25 years. But, he never did that act at the base before this particular air show.

"This is the first time this act has been here," Carroll said.

Air Show Onlookers Witness Fall

The air show accident occurred before a shocked and saddened crowd, many of whom were children. Although official head count of the weekend event was not known Tuesday, the event typically draws about 150,000 attendees. Many more onlookers were on boats on Lake St. Clair or nearby areas on land. Dozens of the witnesses left comments on social media sites and on Patch after the incident.

The Center for Counseling of Chesterfield Township encourages anyone who has seen the accident to speak to someone they know who, who has or has not witnessed the accident, about the trauma experienced from the event.

"The process of talking about a tragedy is cleansing," Sheila Fullmer, clinical manager at the center, said. "Until you are able to talk about it, you will suppress the tragedy and this will eventually cause flashbacks and nightmares."

Clinician Amy DesRocher, who counsels children and teens at the center, said kids may attempt to suppress tragic memories by ignoring the topic or becoming angry, sad or isolated.

"As a parent it is vital to encourage talking with your child who has witnessed such a tragedy," DesRocher said. "Witnessing such an event can lead to children thinking about and/or worrying about death, grief and loss or the fragility of one's life."

They encourage unable to move on from the accident to seek professional help.

Memorial Service Scheduled for Green

A memorial service for Green is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25 at American Legion Post 117, 203 Adrian Street in Manchester, MI. The Green family is expected to establish a memorial fund in his memory later this month, according to the International Council of Air Shows and the American Legion Post. For more information on the memorial service, call 734-428-8500.

Source:  http://shelby-utica.patch.com