EAA AirVenture, which draws more than 10,000 aircraft to Oshkosh, now officially underway

OSHKOSH -- EAA AirVenture, the world's largest gathering of aviation enthusiasts is officially underway.

For one week each summer, EAA members and aviation enthusiasts totaling more than 550,000 from more than 80 countries attend EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. More than 10,000 aircraft fly in -- landing at what becomes the busiest airport in the world.

Governor Scott Walker on Monday, July 25th declared July 25th through the 31st as Wisconsin Aviation Week in celebration of this annual event.

Below is a statement from Governor Walker's Office:

A World War II-era water bomber is making an appearance at this week's air show in Oshkosh -- and since it arrived in Wisconsin on Saturday, July 23rd -- the plane has been getting a lot of attention where it's parked on Lake Winnebago.

WLUK-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2antTaV) the 120-foot Martin Mars aircraft is the world's largest flying boat. It is one of six made by the Navy as a troop and cargo hauler. The planes were later used as water bombers to fight forest fires.

Now, this plane, named Hawaii Mars, is one of only two remaining in the world.

It will put on four shows this week. Wayne Coulson, CEO of the Coulson group, says the plane will be loaded with 7,300 gallons of water that will be dropped on pyrotechnics.

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On Sunday, ahead of the start of EAA AirVenture, a pilot suffered injuries that were not life threatening when his small plane crashed at the Oshkosh airport.

Thirty-nine-year-old Richard Maisano of Pennsylvania crashed at Wittman Regional Airport after his HXA-Bristell Light Sport stalled. Experimental Aircraft Association spokesman Dick Knapinski says Maisano was taken to a Neenah hospital after the crash.

Federal Aviation Administration Great Lakes Region spokesman Tony Molinaro told USA Today Network-Wisconsin that Maisano was the only occupant in the aircraft when it stalled as it approached the runway.

The airport was briefly closed Sunday night after the crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.

CLICK HERE to learn much more about EAA AirVenture.