Three Persons Aboard A Travel Air 4000 When It Was Damaged

Three people were slightly injured when a 1927 Travel Air sustained substantial damage during the Fort Myers, Florida Aviation Day celebration Saturday. All three were treated and released.

File Photo

Authorities say there are conflicting witness reports about the accident, and it was not even clear whether the aircraft was taking off or landing. The accident happened shortly after the gates opened at 1000 at Page Field for the event Saturday. It was reported that the aircraft was engaged in offering sightseeing rides, though authorities were not clear on whether the rides were paid for by the passengers, or offered free by the pilot. The aircraft is registered to Low and Slow Aviation, which is a tenant at the airport.

The Fort Myers New Press reports that the pilot, 40-year-old Glen Frith, declined to comment when contacted by the paper. Frith's mother-in-law confirmed that his is vice president for operations of Aeronautical Charters Inc., which is based at Page.

The incident is under investigation by the FAA and NTSB.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov