An accident at an airshow in Idaho has killed hang glider pilot Dan Buchanan.
Buchanan was flying at the Gunfighter Skies Air and Space Celebration at Mountain Home Air Force Base.
At this time, the cause of the crash is unknown.
The remainder of Saturday’s show, including the performance by the USAF Thunderbirds, was canceled. Sunday’s airshow will be held, as a tribute to Dan.
In 1981, Buchanan was injured in a different hang glider incident. That accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Despite this handicap, Dan returned to flying within six months and flew his first airshow in 1989.
Buchanan was a popular performer on the airshow circuit, with his daytime and nighttime glider routines. Over the years his awards and accolades have included the Art Scholl Award for Showmanship, the Bill Barber Award for Showmanship and the ICAS Special Achievement Award.
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david smith
Flew with him at Kagel mt. in 1981. Knew nothing about him until now. He didn’t let his injury stop him from enjoying and making a living from flying. Hang gliding is a special sport with a special brotherhood. Dan will be missed.
Allyne Bentley
OH NO! I’ve known Dan for YEARS! He’s been such a dear friend! Was wondering why I haven’t been hearing back from him and began to worry. My online search came up with this article, and I am truly heartbroken! Hope your sails fly high, Dan! You’ll always remain in my heart!
Danny Nichols
Met him and saw him fly at Smyrna TN many times. He was an all around great guy who put on an awesome act. He will be sorely missed.
Varonica Wrobel
Unfortunately I was at the air show when Dan crashed. Some wind caught one side of the hang glider and went straight to the ground. We always loved watching him fly at air shows.
Dave W
SHOCKED! I got into HG over 30 years ago. I met Dan shortly after his accident when he joined my running club. We had been friends ever since and I took up HG after watching him fly at Ft. Funston. Dan and I did trips all over, mostly Woodrat near Medford, OR, and Lakeview, OR. We travelled as far south as Santa Barbara and east to Salt Lake City. Dan was at my wedding. He took my wife on her only tandem flight in Lakeview. I helped Dan a few times as he mentored his son into the sport.
We drifted apart when he moved to Nevada and started his air show business. I cut back my hang gliding after over 30 years of flying. Dan stopped flying for pleasure, concentrating on his business. I was relating a Dan story to a friend today and googled him. I am shocked and saddened to hear of his death 3 years afterwards. As others have said, Dan died doing what he enjoyed doing.
I have more stories about Dan than I could ever put down. I’ll leave with one I hope makes you smile. Dan was known to fall asleep while driving. Our joke (Rus and I) was always, “Hey, Dan looks sleepy. Why don’t you let him drive.”
Sorry I missed you Dan.
Dave