And Reno hasn't even started yet... tragic

warbirdcrew · **Posted:** Sat Sep 06, 2008 6:30 pm

From Airrace.org,

air race pilot involved in fatal crash at Reno-Stead Airport

Erica Simpson, age 32, a commercial and air race pilot, was involved in a fatal accident today at the Reno-Stead Airport. The accident occurred at around 9 a.m. Saturday morning while Simpson was conducting a check flight in advance of next week’s competition. The Reno Air Racing Association has issued a press release with further information.

http://www.airrace.org/PressRelease-F1-06sept2008.pdf

Thoughts and prayers :cry:

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Sat Sep 06, 2008 6:35 pm

That sucks.

jaybird · **Posted:** Sat Sep 06, 2008 7:15 pm

Oh no. I would think in all likelyhood this is the same Erica (formerly Erica Hoagland) that has a website here:

http://riraaerobatics.com/

She had a beautiful Pitts S-2S at Oshkosh this year.

Horrible news.

Bill Greenwood · **Posted:** Sat Sep 06, 2008 7:28 pm

I didn't know her, but I would have liked to by the look of what she wrote on her website. My thoughts to those close to her.

Bluedharma · **Posted:** Sat Sep 06, 2008 10:06 pm

Ditto: Thoughts and prayers

P51Mstg · **Joined:** Tue Jan 25, 2005 11:36 am **Posts:** 1202

Same person. Sorry to hear about it......

Mark H

richkolasa · **Posted:** Sun Sep 07, 2008 12:04 am

Godspeed Erica. Seems to be too many beautiful ladies in NJ leaving this life too darn soon.

warbird1 · **Joined:** Fri Sep 21, 2007 6:25 pm **Posts:** 2760

How sad, my emphathy for her friends and family. I hope this is not a prelude of how the rest of Reno is going to be. Last year was much too tragic. Let's hope the rest of Reno runs smoothly and safely for all involved.

airnutz · **Posted:** Sun Sep 07, 2008 3:24 am

nooooooooooooooooo..............

Thomas · **Joined:** Thu Aug 14, 2008 1:14 pm **Posts:** 92

My thoughts to her family, very sad.

daveymac82c · **Posted:** Sun Sep 07, 2008 11:10 am

Wow, what a terrible loss!!!

I just checked out her website and it sounds like she was really an amazing person.

The words on the opening page of her website are beautiful, and I get the feeling that even though her life was ended too soon, she will still be able to pass through the gates of heaven knowing she lived a great life.

Though I have never met her, I will miss her. It is aviators like her that make our little community so great to be a part of.

My thoughts are with her family and friends.

-David

Nathan · **Posted:** Sun Sep 07, 2008 11:36 am

omg!

That is really sad news. Prayers go out to her and family.

Second Air Force · **Posted:** Sun Sep 07, 2008 11:45 am

Our condolences to family and friends.
Godspeed, Erica.

Scott and Ellen

Dave Downs · **Posted:** Sun Sep 07, 2008 5:06 pm

My condolences to the lady's family for their loss.

jlittle2 · **Posted:** Sun Sep 07, 2008 9:26 pm

Godspeed Erica, and please watch over all of our friends and extended family who will be racing and working around the race aircraft at Reno over the next 2 weeks.

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And Reno hasn't even started yet... tragic

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