Tornado Hits Sun 'n Fun, Damages Aircraft

Above: EAA photo by Brady Lane.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WAXHAW, N.C. — March 31, 2011 — At approximately 12:45 p.m. today, a tornado hit the grounds of Sun ‘n Fun, an annual fly-in in Lakeland, Florida, where JAARS is exhibiting this week.

All JAARS staff are safe, though the tornado has reportedly damaged many tents, exhibits, and aircraft—including one of our Helio Couriers, N60JA, which was tied down near the control tower on the flight line. We have not yet been able to assess whether it can be repaired to airworthiness.

Two other aircraft—our Robinson R44 helicopter, and a Helio Courier owned by a friend of JAARS—were at the mission aviation exhibit, and were not damaged.

Praise the Lord with us that no one has been hurt, and that the damage is not worse. Please pray for safety, morale, and the opportunity to represent Christ to others currently at Sun ‘n Fun.

To view updates, visit our Facebook page.

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