What just happened at Reno?

maradamx3 · **Posted:** Fri Sep 16, 2011 7:43 pm

F2G_lover wrote:

AAFO message board saying it was the Galloping Ghost / Leeward. I'm stunned.

AAFO message board has been disabled. Moderators probably shut it down for rumor control. Glad Wix is up so people can be informed.

67N20 · **Posted:** Fri Sep 16, 2011 7:44 pm

From TV Station KOLO's website:

Multiple fatalities at the Reno Air Races after an Unlimited plane crashed into the grandstand soon after take-off.

Unlimited plane has crashed at the Reno Air Races just after 4 p.m. that has killed 12 people and injured at least 30 Friday, hitting people seated in the box seats in the grandstand.
Click here to find out more!

According to witnesses pilot Jimmy Leeward was flying the Galloping Ghost, that went down soon after take-off during the beginning of the Unlimited race.

The Unlimited plane slid into the grandstand, box seats injurying dozens of spectators.

Reno-Stead airport authorities are asking everyone to go home.

All planes are grounded.

Stay tuned as we will be updating as details become available.

TAdan · **Posted:** Fri Sep 16, 2011 7:46 pm

My condolences to all involved. What a sad accident.

Liza · **Posted:** Fri Sep 16, 2011 7:48 pm

Really are no words for today and the 2011 season.

seabee1526 · **Joined:** Fri Sep 26, 2008 6:18 pm **Posts:** 459

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/16/plane-crashes-at-nevada-air-race/

Matt Sharkey · **Joined:** Sun May 02, 2004 2:27 pm **Posts:** 223

RIP in Mr Leeward.

Condolences and prayers for families that are all involved.

carlisle1926 · **Posted:** Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:00 pm

horrible

svengi · **Joined:** Wed Jul 28, 2010 5:44 pm **Posts:** 79

A very sad day, a terrible possibility come true. My condolences to all, many people need our help, hope, and support at this time. If anyone has friends or family involved and lives in the Madison, WI area, I am ready and able to help you however I can. Large or small. Just give me a pm.

Tim Savage · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2004 8:26 pm **Posts:** 630

Reno TV is reporting the races are cancelled for the rest of the year.

It will be a miracle if they ever happen again, IMHO.

Jerry O'Neill · **Posted:** Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:06 pm

Let's all say some prayers.
Jerry

Ztex · **Posted:** Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:09 pm

I don't have words to express how I feel hearing this news.

Prayers go out to everyone involved.

tex-fan · **Posted:** Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:11 pm

MSNBC is doing covarage. God bless.

warbird_patrick · **Posted:** Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:15 pm

My thoughts and prayers go out to leeward family and Galloping ghost crew and to all those that were injured today at Reno air races.

Kyleb · **Posted:** Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:32 pm

Very sad for all involved.

67N20 · **Posted:** Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:32 pm

From Reno TV Stations KRCR's website:

Air Show Crash Near Reno
POSTED: 5:18 pm PDT September 16, 2011
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UPDATED: 5:53 pm PDT September 16, 2011

UPDATE: We have reports that there are at least 12 dead with 75 hurt, 25 critically injured. Officials are preparing for mass casualties.

DEVELOPING: A veteran pilot has reportedly crashed at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada. Numerous injuries have been reported.

The plane reportedly crashed into the grandstands.

According to one Reno television news station, the Unlimited P 51 mustang plane "Galloping Ghost" piloted by Jimmy Leeward from Florida has gone into the stands during Race 77.

It is not immediately known if there were deaths or injuries. It is being described as a mass casualty situation.

KRNV-TV aired videotape of the scene that showed at least four people being carried on stretchers to ambulances.

Jeff Martinez, a KRNV weatherman, was just outside the air race grounds at the time of the crash. He says he saw a plane veer to the right and then "it just augered straight into the ground."

He says he saw "pieces and parts going everywhere."

The National Championship Air Races draws thousands of people every year in September to watch various military and civilian planes race. The event takes place each September at the Reno Stead Airport a few miles north of Reno.

Air racing is billed as 'the world's fastest motor sport' and Reno is one of the few remaining venues.
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