Friday, September 16, 2011

Reno Air Races Has Dangerous History

From the RGH: Prior to Friday, there were 16 fatalities during the National Championship Air Races since the Reno event began in 1964. Three crashes that claimed the lives of three pilots was the worst week for the races prior to Friday.
Fatal crashes at the National Championship Air Races include:
• Sept. 13, 2007: Brad Morehouse, Aston, Wyo., dies in crash of L-39 jet during race.
• Sept. 11, 2007: Steve Dari, Lemon Grove, Calif., biplane crashed on takeoff during practice.
• 2002: Tommy Rose of Hickory, Miss., sport class racer crashed into sagebrush during a race.
• 1999: Gary Levitz of Grand Prairie, Texas, P-51 disintegrated during a race, scattering debris and damaging a house.
• 1998: Dick Roberts of Maybee, Mich., Formula One crashed in the desert after a race. Roberts had suffered a massive heart attack.
• 1994: Bill Speer of La Mesa, Calif., P-51 crashed next to the east-west runway after engine failure sprayed his windshield with oil.
http://www.rgj.com/article/20110916/EVENTS05/110916042

I am surprised that this race has been allowed to continue because of the crashes and the deaths.

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