Have you been to an Air Show?
I have in Wisconsin and in Chicago.
Something goes terribly wrong.
The World War II-era plane that plummeted into an air-race crowd like a missile bore little resemblance to its original self. It was rebuilt for speed, if not for stability.
The 65-year-old “Galloping Ghost” underwent years of massive overhauls that took a full 10 feet off its wingspan. The ailerons — the back edges of the main wings used to control balance — were cut from about 60 inches to 32.
Pilot Jimmy Leeward had said the changes made the P-51 Mustang faster and more maneuverable, but in the months before Friday’s crash even he wasn’t certain exactly how it would perform.
“I know it’ll do the speed,” he said in a podcast uploaded to YouTube in June. “The systems aren’t proven yet. We think they’re going to be OK.”
Investigators don’t yet know what caused the plane to pitch sharply into the crowd at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, killing nine people, including Leeward, and injuring dozens. They have focused on the “elevator trim tab” — a piece of the tail that helps the aircraft maintain lift and appeared to break off before the crash.
Blue Angels Air Show:
Isn’t it crazy that I have went to air shows and never had a crash happen, although I have went to an Indy 500 In 1992 and loved the crashes…or even at a local event. Now in these events no one was hurt or died.
I want to honor those who have dedicated their lives in Air Shows and Died. It is my deep sorrow that you have passed on but that you left your mark in this world. I send my condolences to all they left behind and know they died in honor.
Related articles
- 2 air show crashes, 2 very different outcomes (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
- Local couple, man killed in Reno air show (thenewstribune.com)
- Reno air show crash kills at least three people (framework.latimes.com)
- 2 air show crashes, 2 very different outcomes (sfgate.com)
- Plane in Reno crash had ‘radical’ changes (cbsnews.com)
- Everett man dies in Reno air show crash (thenewstribune.com)
- Reno air show crash fatalities (sfgate.com)
- Reno Air Race crash: plane modified for increased speed (telegraph.co.uk)
- Six victims from Reno air show accident still in critical condition - Los Angeles Times (news.google.com)
- Plane in Reno Crash Had ‘Radical’ Changes (foxnews.com)
- Reno investigators look into plane’s modifications - San Francisco Chronicle (news.google.com)
- Plane in Reno crash had ‘radical’ changes - CBS News (news.google.com)
- Nev. air race crash site shows violence of impact (msnbc.msn.com)
- Reno Air Race Crash Scene Shows Violent Impact- PHOTOS: Tragedy at Air Race (foxnews.com)
- Reno crash plane may have onboard video (cbsnews.com)
- Death toll rises in Reno air show crash - msnbc.com (news.google.com)
eof737
September 20, 2011 at 6:57 AM
A terrible, terrible tragedy. My pryers go out to all who lost someone and to the survivors.
the island traveler
September 19, 2011 at 11:48 PM
I saw the replay on the news. It was a horrible disaster. I pray for those who perish and the wounded. I can’t imagine the fear of those who where there. I hope such a tragedy won’t happen again. Thanks for the post. Stay blessed always.
Bridgesburning Chris King
September 19, 2011 at 12:54 PM
It has been years since I have been to an air show and thankfully have never been there for a crash, but they do seem to be happening more frequently!
Jackie Paulson Author
September 19, 2011 at 1:01 PM
I know isn’t it crazy!! Thanks for stopping by.
Jackie Paulson Author
September 19, 2011 at 9:13 AM
Wow Donna, that is a horrible experience to have to endure. I am glad the husband lived. Escaping death is more like it….Thanks for stopping by.
Redneckprincess
September 19, 2011 at 9:08 AM
A woman I work with, who’s husband flies, crashed his plane this summer, he is very very lucky and is still alive, but he is 70 and has a very long road to recovery, but he was doing what he absolutely loved doing when it happened. So sad about the Reno crash It was just on my news…