Witnesses describe Roush plane crash

OSHKOSH - The Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture in Oshkosh continued as normal Wednesday morning, following Tuesday night's crash involving NASCAR team owner Jack Roush.

However, cleanup efforts on the site of Roush's crash continued on a section of Runway 18-36 on the air field grounds. Officials on site say the plane had been removed at some point overnight, but sweepers continued to clear debris from the runway Wednesday morning.

Mike Hargrave, a pilot from Michigan, watched as Roush's plane made its hard landing.

"The right wing impacted the ground, " said Hargrave. "The plane cartwheeled, the other wing came off and the plane settled on the ground. Then there was this loud thud."

Another eyewitness from Wichita, Kan., was resting at his campsite, nearly 150 feet away from where Roush's plane crashed.

"I was concerned because it was so close to the campsite," said the Kansas native."

Director of Communications for EAA's AirVenture, Dick Knapinski, says Tuesday night's incident should not have a direct impact on AirVenture enthusiasts.

"The unique thing about aviators is they will be interested in what the accident report says, because pilots want to learn all the time," said Knapinski. "If somebody else is in an accident, they want to find out what occured and maybe take something away from it so the next time they're out there flying they have that piece of knowledge."

Knapinski said Roush's plane will eventually be brought to a secure hangar, where officials can investigate it more closely.

Meanwhile, fans of Roush are hoping the NASCAR team owner will have a quick recovery.

"It's very unfortunate," said Hargrave. "I hope he can get well, get back and enjoy the show."