Pilot injured after blimp crashes at major venue

US Open for the first time since 1993 after the good weather ended his slim chances of making a last-minute dash to Erin Hills.

The 46-year-old needs to win the US Open, in which he has been runner-up a record six times, to complete the career grand slam, but announced earlier this month he would likely miss the event to attend the high-school graduation of his daughter Amanda.

Only a lengthy weather delay – and there have been several already this week – would have given the five-time major winner a chance of being at the ceremony and then flying by private jet from California to Wisconsin. But when play started in perfect conditions, Mickelson informed USGA executive director Mike Davis he would not be able to play and left first alternate Roberto Diaz to take his place, alongside Stewart Cink and Steve Stricker, in a group due to tee off at 2.20pm local time. The pilot of a small blimp that crashed near the US Open in Wisconsin during the opening round of the tournament suffered serious injuries, including burns, investigators said.

A statement from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said its initial investigation showed the blimp may have experienced mechanical problems before the crash.

A deputy at a security post reported seeing the aircraft on fire or smoking and rapidly descending about 11:15am, the Sheriff ’s Office said. First responders used utility vehicles to reach the crash site, which was an open field about half a mile from the Erin Hills golf course.

Aerial video from a television news helicopter showed pieces of the flattened blimp on the field along with charred metal and grass.

The first responders transported the injured pilot to a waiting medical helicopter that had landed in the field. Sheriff’s officials said the pilot was the only one on board.

Golfer Brandt Snedeker said he spotted something while on the course. “Yeah. My caddie made a comment on the ninth hole. He said the blimp is not looking good. I guess it was nose down. I saw a puff of black smoke. I didn’t know it was the blimp. It’s not good. Glad everybody is OK,” Snededker said after finishing his round.

The blimp, operated by Florida-based Airsign, was used for advertising as it floated above the golf tournament.