18 September 2023 , 08:38
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Two pilots were killed in front of horrified onlookers after crashing on landing during an air show.
The deadly collision took place on the final day of an air racing event on Sunday afternoon in Reno, Nevada. Officials with the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) said the planes collided at the end of the T-6 Gold race around 2:15 pm Sunday.
Two veteran pilots Nick Macy and Chris Rushing were named as the two who had lost their lives. Their relatives have been notified and are being supported. “I am completely devastated and heartbroken today,” said Fred Telling, Chairman of RARA and President of the T-6 Class.
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Chris Rushing has been identified as one of the victims of the crash
Nick Macy was the other veteran pilot to lose his lifeHe continued: “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.”
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Authorities said there were no other reported injuries. Officials said they are cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration and local authorities to figure out the cause of the accident.
RARA live-streamed the entire event, but the footage was shut down as comments flooded in with reports of the crash in real-time. Screams and shouts of surprise can be heard through the stream from people present.
The collision happened during landingOne comment read: "Red flag for a crash"
"Safety is the foremost concern of RARA and we work year-round to host the safest possible event possible," the RARA said in a statement.
"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," it said.
The remainder of the races that day were cancelled. Mr Macy was flying the a-Cat aircraft out of Tulelake, California, while Mr Rushing was flying the Baron's Revenge out of Van Nuys, California. The latter had won Sunday's race and was a defending champion.
Spectators watch on as planes race in the skies above (Reno Air Racing Association)In 2011, a plane crash at the same event killed a pilot and ten spectators after a World War Two plane nose-dived and crashed into the crowds.
Eyewitness Gerald Lent said: “It’s like a massacre, it’s like a bomb went off. There are people lying all over the runway and blood everywhere.”
Thousands watched in horror as Jimmy Leeward, 74, a veteran Hollywood stuntman, spiralled into a nosedive while racing six other planes at Reno Air Races in Nevada, USA.