Two pilots were tragically killed when their planes collided during the National Championship Air Races and Air Show in Reno, Nevada. The Reno Air Racing Association confirmed the incident in a statement on Facebook, stating, “Around 2:15 p.m. this afternoon, at the conclusion of the T-6 Gold race, upon landing, two planes collided and it has been confirmed that both pilots are deceased.” The identities of the pilots have not yet been released.
Organization leaders are currently working to inform the next of kin and provide support to the families. Thankfully, no other injuries were reported during the incident. Racing operations have been suspended until further notice.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. The NTSB identified the two aircraft involved as a North American T-6G and North American AT-6B, both of which had just completed the race. The wreckage of each plane came to rest half a mile apart from each other, and it will be transported to an off-site facility for analysis.
Event organizers have expressed their cooperation with the NTSB, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and local authorities in determining the cause of the accident. Their priority is to ensure the necessary support for all pilots, spectators, and volunteers involved.
The National Championship Air Races and Air Show is an iconic event that has been running for over five decades. It attracts aviation enthusiasts from around the world and has become an institution for northern Nevada. The event has generated over $750 million for the regional economy and has brought in more than a million spectators over the past decade, according to its website.
As the investigation progresses, more information will be released. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the pilots who lost their lives in this tragic incident.