A classic car lover’s worst nightmare became reality when an Army Apache helicopter landed near an Alabama car show, sending dirt and debris flying across vehicles that were ready for judging.
The car show was part of the Claybank Jamboree held Oct. 3 in downtown Ozark. What was intended to be a military helicopter display became an unexpected scramble as rotor wash swept across the parking area.
Tyler Williams, founder of Wiregrass Carshows, which organized the show, told Task & Purpose that the helicopter was scheduled to arrive before the event opened. Weather delayed its arrival, and most car owners had already parked their vehicles when it approached.
“This time, the helicopter landed around the time our registration was wrapping up, and landed in a location closer to our parking area than it was supposed to be at,” Williams said.
The Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce oversees the Jamboree and coordinates exhibit locations, including helicopter displays, Williams said.
The timing left the cars vulnerable.
“Almost all cars were impacted in some way,” Williams said. “Windows were down and hoods were up as judging was about to begin, so exteriors and interiors were caked in dirt and debris.”
Video footage of the incident has circulated on social media. America Isn’t Real shared this clip.
Williams said the Army had provided helicopters for static displays at previous shows, but those arrivals had occurred before the car show or the helicopters had not landed at all.
The Apache was based at Fort Rucker. According to an Army statement reported by the military news outlet, debris kicked up by the helicopter may have damaged several vehicles, but no one was injured.
The Army also said the delayed landing took place with approval from event organizers and the Dale County Sheriff’s Office. Affected vehicle owners were encouraged to contact Fort Rucker authorities about filing damage claims.
Williams said he could not speak to specific vehicle damage, but he received a claims form from Fort Rucker and distributed it to car show participants. He also shared claims contact information on Facebook.
Williams withheld judgment about who was responsible.
“All of this is under the caveat that I am not assigning blame to any particular organization or person,” Williams said. “I don’t have access to any other context.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
