Two Planes Collide in Reno Air Show, Nevada Killing 2 Pilots

In a tragic incident during the National Championship Air Races and Air Show in Reno, Nevada, two skilled pilots lost their lives on Sunday as their planes collided, as reported by CNN, citing event organizers.

The unfortunate collision occurred around 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, following the conclusion of the T-6 Gold race. The Reno Air Racing Association confirmed the devastating news in a statement posted on Facebook, saying, “Upon landing, two planes collided, and it has been confirmed that both pilots are deceased.”

Subsequently, organizers identified the two pilots as Nick Macy and Chris Rushing, as reported by CNN. Both of these pilots were renowned for their expertise and had earned the title of Gold winners in the T-6 Class. Macy was at the controls of Six-Cat, while Rushing piloted Baron’s Revenge. The statement also noted, “Families of both pilots have been notified, and support services are onsite as they deal with this tragedy.”

Fortunately, there were no other reported injuries in the incident. However, due to the gravity of the situation, the remaining races were canceled.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration are actively conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, as reported by CNN. The two aircraft involved were identified as the North American T-6G and North American AT-6B, having just completed the race. The NTSB stated, “The wreckage of each plane came to rest one-half mile from each other,” and they will be transported to an off-site facility for analysis.

Event organizers have pledged full cooperation with the NTSB and all local authorities to ascertain the cause of the accident and provide necessary support to pilots, spectators, and volunteers during this difficult time, according to CNN.

The National Championship Air Races and Air Show has been a cherished institution in northern Nevada and a global attraction for aviation enthusiasts for over five decades, as highlighted on its website. Over the past ten years, the event has drawn more than a million spectators, showcasing its enduring significance in the world of aviation.