"I don't know if the wind caught up with him or what".
Blimps floating above the tree line have always been a mainstay of the U.S. Open.
The Floriday-based company that owns the blimp, AirSign, is looking into the crash, said Catherine Walsh, a company sales representative. He said the company's operations team on the ground confirmed citizen video on social media showing the blimp going down. Earlier Thursday morning, AirSign tweeted about the blimp's arrival and encouraged visitors to share photos.
"A blimp unaffiliated with the US Open or [host channel] Fox Sports has crashed near Erin Hills".
The blimp went down about 11:20 a.m. near Highway 83 and Highway 167. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported one person, presumably the pilot, had been airlifted from the scene to receive medical treatment.
Rickie Fowler made light of the longest course in major championship history to produce a record-equalling start to the US Open on Thursday. "I feel like I have great control of the ball right now and distance control", said Fowler, who hit 12 of 14 fairways and 15 greens in regulation.
Video captures blimp catch fire and crash at US Open
People have been tweeting out footage of those on board the flaming blimp parachuting to the ground with brief information. Open in Wisconsin crashed Thursday afternoon, with the pilot reported to be "OK", according to The Associated Press.
"You don't get many rounds at the U.S. Open that are stress-free", said Fowler, who got his round off to a flying start dropping birdies on three of his opening five holes.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office said in a news release on its website that the pilot was the only person on board and suffered serious burns and injuries.
Emergency crews have responded to the site of the crash, which was in an open field outside of the course.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have been contacted to assist with the investigation, according to the sheriff's office.
Pretty sure I just watched the blimp crash at the #USOPEN!
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot at this time", the USGA statement said.
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