A preliminary report on last month's deadly Reno Air Races crash was released Wednesday by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Two veteran California pilots were killed when their World War II-era planes collided in midair while preparing to land just after finishing first and second in a title race at the National Championship Air Races on September 17.
Chris Rushing of Thousand Oaks and Nick Macy, 67, of Tulelake both died.
They were getting ready to land after completing the T-6 gold race.
Investigators say both pilots reported being in the downwind leg of the pattern, that's parallel to the runway they were landing on, about 30 seconds apart from each other.
A red flag was announced about a minute later.
Another pilot in the race told investigators that both planes were "not where he expected them to be," based on their radio calls.
The NTSB says the crash site measured about 1,366 feet in length.
The crash marred the 59th and final year of the National Championship Air Races at the Reno-Stead Airport. The deaths brought the number of pilots or performers who have died at the Reno races to 24 since the event began in 1964, along with 10 spectators who died during a crash on the edge of the grandstand in 2011.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2023:
Two pilots were killed when their planes crashed upon landing at an air racing event Sunday in Reno, authorities said.
Officials with the Reno Air Racing Association said the planes collided at the conclusion of the T-6 Gold race around 2:15 p.m. Sunday.
Pilots Nick Macy and Chris Rushing died in what a statement from the Air Races is calling a landing accident.
Both pilots were expertly skilled and were Gold winners in the T-6 class. Macy piloted Six-Cat and Rushing flew Baron's Revenge.
Families of both pilots have been notified and support services were on site.
“I am completely devastated and heartbroken today,” said Fred Telling, Chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association and President of the T-6 Class. “These two pilots weren’t just an integral part of the National Championship Air Race family, they were a part of my family. My heart goes out to their own families and to all of the spectators and fans who have so enthusiastically supported us this week.”
In a statement, the Reno Air Racing Association says they are cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board, the FAA and all local authorities to identify the cause of the accident and ensure that pilots, spectators and volunteers have necessary support during this time.
On X, Governor Joe Lombardo said, “Donna and I were heartbroken to hear the tragic news at the Reno Air Races today. Please join us in praying for the families impacted.”
The @RenoAirRaces family is in the hearts and prayers of the WCSO as they mourn the loss of two of their own. Two T-6 Gold Class airplanes collided late Sunday while preparing to land, and pilots Chris Rushing and Nick Macy both perished in the tragic accident. pic.twitter.com/pfde9oWdQJ
— Washoe Sheriff (@WashoeSheriff) September 18, 2023
NTSB is investigating a mid-air collision in Reno, Nevada involving a North American T-6G and a North American AT-6B.
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) September 17, 2023
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
A crash involving 2 planes killed 2 pilots at the Reno Air Races Sunday afternoon.
According to a release from the Air Races the crash happened around 2:15 p.m. at the conclusion of the T-6 Gold race.
Upon landing two planes collided, killing the pilot of each plane.
Officials are working to notify next of kin and support the families.
There were no civilian or spectator injuries. All air racing operations are currently suspended.
Our crew on the scene is working to gather more information and we will update this story as we learn more.
