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MANSFIELD - A year after tragedy struck, local pilots will again come together to show off their planes and meet with the community at an annual celebration at the Mansfield airport.

Mansfield Chapter 701 of the Experimental Aircraft Association will host its annual Open House and Fly-In Sept. 6 at Mansfield Municipal Airport. The event will offer community members a chance to check out the aircraft and other things the airport has to offer.

"It gives pilots a reason to bring their planes out, and for neighbors to see what happens at the airport," said Mike Vidal, president of the Mansfield chapter.

The fly-in, which will feature pilots from across New England, is the first since a plane crashed at the airport while last year's event was taking place.

While unconnected with the fly-in, the crash killed two people and injured two others, casting a pall on the event. "We're looking forward to getting back to normal this year," Vidal said. The fly-in will last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will have aircraft judging, food for sale, a kids' area and much more.

The event is free to the public and chapter members will be on hand to talk with community members about such topics as getting a pilots license and building airplanes.

The group has been holding fly-ins at the airport for more than 20 years and hopes this year's event will be free of unexpected incidents, such as last year's.

"We're looking for a nice day with lots of fun," Vidal said.

MATT KAKLEY can be reached at 508-236-0333 or at mkakley@thesunchronicle.com.