A flying team due to make its debut at the renowned Clacton Airshow has withdrawn from next week’s event following a serious crash during an air display in Essex.
The Turbulent Team had been scheduled to appear at the 33rd Clacton Airshow, which takes place this coming Thursday and Friday, among the new additions to this year’s programme.
The display would have brought close-in formation flying using tiny Druine D.31 Turbulent aircraft.
The decision to pull out comes after a member of the team was seriously injured when one of its aircraft crashed during a display at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome near Woodham Ferrers on August 16.
Essex Police were called shortly before 2.25pm following reports of an incident involving a light aircraft.
The sole occupant was taken to hospital in London with serious injuries.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) was also made aware of the incident, and was due to carry out an initial assessment.
Organisers said the aircraft was damaged, and the airshow was brought to a halt while the aerodrome was closed to the public.
Jessica Bryan, Clacton Airshow Event Director and Tendring Council culture and visitor services manager, said the team’s withdrawal was understandable.
"Our thoughts are with the Turbulent Team following the incident at Stow Maries Aerodrome at the weekend, along with their family, friends and supporters,” she said.
"As previously announced, the Turbulent Team were due to be part of our flying line-up at this year’s Clacton Airshow, but understandably they have now withdrawn from the programme, and we wish them well.”
The change comes just days before Clacton’s 2026 show, which has become one of the biggest annual events on the Essex coast.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
- Blood Moon set to light up UK skies in just days as best spots to watch moment revealed
- Locals living next to UK's biggest traveller site send heartbreaking message to Angela Rayner
- Watch the moment Chinese robots smash 100m sprint record set by legend Usain Bolt
The 2026 event is the 33rd Clacton Airshow, and organisers say last year’s show attracted an estimated 200,000 people over two days, and generated more than £12 million for the area.
Tendring District Council has committed to continuing the event annually through to at least 2027.
The airshow has developed from a long-running seaside tradition, into a major free to view spectacle featuring historic aircraft, military jets, aerobatic teams and evening displays.
In recent years, the programme has expanded to include twilight flying and firework performances alongside the daytime displays.
Despite the Turbulent Team’s withdrawal, organisers have continued to add attractions to this year’s programme.
The RAF Red Arrows are returning for both days, while the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is also scheduled to appear during the year - marking the 90th anniversary of the Spitfire’s first flight.
A further highlight will be Spitfire MH434, built in 1943 and flown by celebrated test pilot Alex Henshaw, before entering service with 222 Squadron.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
