Reno Air Races officials confirm that a pilot was killed in a plane crash
The Reno Air Racing Association confirmed via Twitter that a pilot had been killed in a plane crash on Sunday at the Reno Air Races.
The organisation reported, “During the jet gold race on the third lap there was a fatal incident at outer pylon 5 today, All other pilots landed safely and race operations for 2022 have been suspended. We express our deepest sympathies to the pilot’s family and friends as well as racers and race fans who make up our September family.”
The fatality was confirmed by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday night. “WCSO detectives are currently working the scene with the Medical Examiner’s Office. No names will be released until notification of next of kin,”
The crash took place about 13945 Red Rock Road.
An Aero Vodochody L-29 plane went down, and the National Transportation Safety Board has already indicated they are looking into what happened.
In addition to the racing association’s investigation, the FAA will look into the incident.
In 2011, a jet lost control and crashed onto spectators, killing 11 and injuring over 60. The National Championship Air Races may have been cancelled due to the event.
Races resumed the next year after organisers said they implemented the NTSB’s suggested safety measures.
According to the website for the National Championship Air Races, the Reno events have been going on for more than 50 years and involve “seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft with military and civil flight demonstrations.”