Nick Macy & Chris Rushing were killed in a North American T-6G Texan mid-air crash during National Championship Air Races at the Reno-Stead Airport.
A North American T-6G Texan, N2897G, ‘Six-Cat’, and a North American AT-6B Texan, N57418, ‘Baron’s Revenge’, were destroyed when they collided in mid-air while on approach to Reno-Stead Airport (RTS/KRTS), Reno, Nevada.
Preliminary information indicates that both aircraft had just competed in the T-6 Class – Gold Race at the National Championship Air Races at Reno-Stead Airport, and they were on base to finalize runway 08.
The Six-Cat ran into the tail of Baron’s Revenge, severing the tail, and causing it to go straight for the ground. The Six-Cat flew for a bit but it eventually nosed over and crashed. Both planes crashed in a residential area west of the airport.
A ground observer was able to photograph the Baron Revenge before it impacted the ground, it was missing the entire tail and had sustained substantial damage to the outer section (and trailing edge) of the left wing.
There were no civilian casualties and Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is doing everything we can to support the families and friends of the involved pilots.
After conversations with the families and with the race classes, we have made the decision to cancel the remainder of the races.
“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.”
Safety is the foremost concern of RARA and we work year-round to host the safest event possible. As we always do, we are cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board, the FAA, and all local authorities to identify the cause of the accident and ensure that all of our pilots, spectators, and volunteers have the necessary support during this time.
