A somber atmosphere engulfed the National Championship Air Races and Air Show in Reno, Nevada, as tragedy struck when two pilots lost their lives in a collision during the T-6 Gold Race, according to a report by CNN. The pilots have been identified as Nick Macy and Chris Rushing, both highly skilled aviators who had previously clinched Gold wins in the T-6 Class.
The fatal incident occurred as the two planes, a single-engine North American T-6 G and a single-engine North American AT-6B, were in the process of landing. Reno Air Racing Association officials reported that the collision happened at the conclusion of the race, leading to the immediate loss of both pilots.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the Reno Air Racing Association expressed its deep sorrow, saying, “It is with great sorrow that the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announces that around 2:15 p.m. this afternoon, at the conclusion of the T-6 Gold race, upon landing, two planes collided, and it has been confirmed that both pilots are dead.”
The statement provided further information about the pilots, acknowledging their expertise and achievements in the T-6 Class. Nick Macy piloted Six-Cat, while Chris Rushing flew Baron’s Revenge.
The RARA is currently in the process of launching an investigation to determine the cause of this tragic collision. Safety remains a top priority for the organization, which stated, “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.”
In response to the incident, organizers have suspended all other racing operations for the time being. The National Championship Air Races and Air Show, a longstanding event that has been running for over five decades, is considered an institution for northern Nevada and draws aviation enthusiasts from around the world, according to its website. This tragic incident has cast a pall over the event, emphasizing the inherent risks involved in air racing and the importance of ongoing safety measures and investigations.
Sources By Agencies
