If somebody heard that some poor soul died at an airshow as a result of their car had a mechanical failure at 300 miles per hour, you’ll appropriately assume that it was a jet-powered, though, only a few folks would guess that it was a jet-powered semi-truck. Last weekend, 40-year previous Chris Darnell sadly misplaced his life after his jet-propelled Peterbilt crashed on the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Ballon Festival in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Early afternoon on July 2nd, Chris Darnell was in his truck Shockwave racing in opposition to two inverted jets down a runway at Battle Creek Executive Airport. Shockwave is a modified 1984 Peterbilt powered by three Westinghouse J34-WE-48 engines. The engines produce sufficient thrust for Shockwave to exceed speeds of over 300 mph. During the race, Shockwave rolled after it rocketed previous a pyrotechnic show. Even at a distance, the shine from the truck metallic particles was seen. Tragically, there was little likelihood that Darnell may have survived the crash.
Chris’ father Neal Darnell said on the jet truck’s Facebook web page that the incident was attributable to an unspecified mechanical failure. He would proceed on, stating:
“I will post more information as we get it. We will provide funeral arrangements sometime this week. We are so sad. Just one month ago Chris turned 40. He was so well loved by everyone who knew him. Chris so loved the Air Show business. He was “Living the Dream “ as he said.”
From the wave of condolences within the wake of his dying, it’s clear that Chris Darnell was a revered and cherished member of the airshow group. The pace and visible spectacle of a jet-powered semi-truck is definitely a draw for crowds, however typically it’s simple to neglect the hazard concerned till moments like this.
Source: jalopnik.com