Reno Air Show
In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded during the National Championship Air Races and Air Show in Reno, Nevada, two skilled pilots lost their lives in a mid-air collision. The organizers Reno Air Show of the event confirmed this tragic news.
The Incident
The unfortunate collision occurred around 2:15 p.m. during the T-6 Gold race when two planes collided while landing. The Reno Air Racing Association shared the sorrowful update on Facebook, stating, “Upon landing, two planes collided, and it has been confirmed that both pilots are deceased.”
The Pilots
The two pilots involved in this tragic accident were identified as Nick Macy and Chris Rushing. Both were highly skilled aviators and had achieved the prestigious Gold status in the T-6 Class category. Nick Macy piloted “Six-Cat,” while Chris Rushing flew “Baron’s Revenge.”
In their official statement, event organizers expressed their condolences and support for the families of the deceased pilots, noting, “Families of both pilots have been notified, and support services are onsite as they deal with this tragedy.”
No Other Injuries Reported
Fortunately, no other injuries were reported among the event’s attendees or participants, minimizing the impact of this devastating incident.
Cancellation of Races
Following the collision and the loss of two pilots, event organizers made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the races.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) swiftly initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash. They identified the aircraft involved as a North American T-6G and North American AT-6B, both of which had just completed the race. The NTSB reported that the wreckage of each plane came to rest one-half mile from each other. The wreckage will be transported to an off-site facility for thorough analysis.
Event organizers pledged their full cooperation with the NTSB, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and local authorities to determine the cause of the accident. Their priority is to provide support to all pilots, spectators, and volunteers affected by this tragic event.
A Legacy of Aviation Enthusiasm
The National Championship Air Races and Air Show, which has been a cherished tradition for more than five decades, holds a special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts worldwide. It is considered an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. Over the past decade, the event has attracted over a million spectators and contributed significantly to the regional economy, generating more than $750 million.
It is important to note that this is not the first fatal incident to occur during the event. Tragically, a pilot lost their life in a plane crash during a race last year, and in 2011, a devastating accident claimed the lives of 11 people while injuring over 60 others when a plane lost control and collided with spectators. The aviation community mourns the loss of these talented pilots and continues to emphasize safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
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