Aeroshell Aerobatic Team Lead Alan Henley Injured In Accident At Home

23 July, 2008 - News Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aeroshell Aerobatic Team Lead Alan Henley Injured In Accident At Home

For more information, contact: Greg Gibson, greg@aeroshellteam.com, (813) 507-1799

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Aeroshell Aerobatic Team Lead Alan Henley was injured Tuesday night in an accident while playing with his children at his home in Birmingham, Alabama. A chin-up bar gave way while Henley was on it, resulting in a fall which caused severe injuries to his neck and head. He was taken to the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital’s trauma unit, and remains there in ICU in serious but stable condition.

"Our prayers are with Alan and his family, and we are hoping for him to have a speedy and full recovery", said Steve Gustafson, Left Wing for the Team.

The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team is scheduled to fly at EAA’s AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, next week, the largest aviation exposition of its kind. "The show must go on," Gustafson said, "Alan will be missed terribly, but we will be there flying for him until he recovers." Gustafson went on to say that the Team will fly a three-ship routine, with Alan’s brother Mark in the lead, and himself and Gene McNeely filling in the Wing positions. All Team appointments and autograph sessions will be attended, and although Henley’s absence will be felt, Gustafson noted that the Team was obligated to their fans and sponsors to give them what they came for.

The AeroShell Aerobatic Team is a four-ship formation aerobatic team comprised of vintage North American AT-6 Texans. The Team delights millions of airshow fans across the U.S. each year, performing at a wide variety of locations. Veteran performers Alan Henley, Mark Henley, Steve Gustafson, and Gene McNeely form this unique squadron of aerial acrobats that has been a crowd favorite since 1985.

7/29 - Update:
Follow Alan's recovery HERE. Alan's wife is updating this blog with Alan's progress frequently.

8/5 - Update:
Well wishers are sharing their best wishes on ASB, on this thread, also.