BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Battle Creek Police believe a blown tire to be the cause of the jet truck accident and death of 40-year-old Chris Darnell on Saturday, July 2, during the Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival. .
Authorities say the accident happened around 1:10 p.m. Saturday at the Battle Creek Executive Airport where the show was held.
Chris Darnell drove his SHOCKWAVE Jet Truck during a performance, racing it down the runway at speeds reaching 340 miles per hour.
Police who witnessed the accident said Darnell started his run successfully, but seconds into it, they could see a piece of tire debris flying off the back of the truck – appearing to indicate a blown tire.
Shortly after, Darnell launched his parachute, which his family suggested the chute launched sooner than normal, perhaps because he sensed a problem.
Police say as the truck continued forward, there was an explosion on the back, likely caused by the tire debris, and possibly a fuel tank rupture. The explosion then caused the back end of the truck to twist left, and veer right into the grass, flipping three or four times, with Darnell dying at the scene.
The airport team inspected the airfield Saturday before the air show began, and also immediately after the accident. They found no issues beforehand, but afterward, they found some broken runway lights and ruts in the grass, both due to the crash.
