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Hangar And Two Planes Destroyed In Cairo

By Hilary LeHew

CAIRO -- When asked about how he feels about the destruction that an apparent tornado brought to the Cairo Airport, all former pilot Wilbur Marks can say is that it was a complete surprise.

Marks is a frequent visitor at the Cairo airport, and couldn't believe what his eyes were seeing when he looked at the damage.

A hangar and two airplanes were completely demolished by Saturday's severe weather. Marks explained how he once had planes in the same hangar. He said now the planes look like nothing but balls of tin.

A volunteer was working in the airport office when the tornado hit at about four in the afternoon. Marks said the volunteer took a picture and then took cover.

"I think it scared him to death, but I don't blame him. I probably would have been too," said Marks.

Even though the airport is now closed, more bad weather forced pilot Tom Irlbeck to land on the dangerous runway.

Irlbeck said he didn't know there had been a tornado in the area, but knew something wasn't right.

"We had to circle the field, check the runway, and make sure there was no tin or metal or anything on the runway," said Irlbeck.

Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Marty Nicholson said there's a lot of work that needs to be done. She said it could be some time before any repairs can be made at the airport. Nicholson said, "first we're going to have to do the clean-up, do the recovery, and go from there and see what the county can get worked out."

Marks is thankful that despite the major damage, no one was hurt.

"I just kind of wonder sometimes, why? But, the good Lord has got a reason for doing things," said Marks.