OU Aviation is seeking donations to the OU Aviation tornado damage relief effort after suffering ramp and aircraft damages from the EF1 tornado that struck the Max Westheimer Airport on April 27.
The National Weather Service declared the tornado as an EF1, with winds up to 90-95 mph. The tornado developed southwest of 24th Avenue Northwest and Robinson Street, hitting the Max Westheimer airport, and extended 3.5 miles before stopping between 12th Avenue Northeast and Tecumseh Road at 9:36 p.m.
According to the OU Foundation website, the doors of two hangars were ripped off, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft inside.
The Crimson 7, a Piper Warrior aircraft, was claimed as a likely loss from the hangar door falling on top of it and the Crimson 75, a Cessna 152 Aerobat aircraft, was claimed as a total loss from flying debris damage.
The loss of both aircraft has limited resources for students, according to the website. In addition, the damage affected the National Intercollegiate Flying Association team and its ability to compete in nationals later this month.
The OU Flying Sooners qualified to compete for a national championship for the first time in over three decades, however, the two aircraft destroyed by the tornado were the ones designated for the competition. With the money raised, OU Aviation will be able to repair the aircraft and compete at NIFA Safecon 2024.
The donation page can be found on the University of Oklahoma Foundation website.
This story was edited by Ana Barboza. Avery Avery copy edited the story.
