Something about airshows seems to bring out ūrecklessness in otherwise prudent pilots.

As sure as the snow melts, it happens every April and July – a string of mishaps occur that read like a top ten list of general aviation accident causes. Ironically, these mishaps are the unfortunate fallout from two events that energize the GA community – Sun ’n Fun at Lakeland, Fla., and EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh, Wis.

Pilots plan months ahead for their pilgrimage to those Meccas of aviation. When the big day approaches, Internet computer bulletin boards and e-mail lists come alive with message traffic detailing who is going and when. They map out where to meet and discuss what latest aeronautical goodies they’ll hunt for. …