Pilot Dead in Plane Crash in Stead (Reno Air Races)

KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe ^ | September 6, 2008 | Arash Mosaleh

[EveningStar]

A spokeswoman with the National Championship Air Races confirms to Channel 2 News that a pilot was killed in a plane wreck Saturday morning at Reno-Stead Airport...

[EveningStar]

There is a press conference scheduled for 2:00 PM PDT.

Watch for updates here and here.

[EveningStar]

ping

[valkyry1]

I think it was a Formula 1

[CodeToad]

These races have been having a few each year lately, sad to say. Flying is fun, there is no reason to get yourself killed doing it.

[EveningStar]

It's NOT this person!

[JRios1968]

Thankfully.

[EveningStar]

That can’t yet be confirmed or denied yet.

The details were revealed in a private forum. Unfortunately, they can’t be revealed publicly until they are officially reported.

[EveningStar]

I hear you.

[valkyry1]

KRNV, NV - 1 hour ago
Authorities say a Formula 1 plane crashed at the middle corridor of the Reno-Stead Airport around 9 am Saturday.

[mad_as_he$$]

Did not hear any F1 stuff up this morning. Only big radial early - before 7. Saw Dago Red a few minutes ago. Rumor was they were not going to fly this year.

[EveningStar]

Reno Stead Airport

Reno Air Racing Association - National Championship Air Races and Air Show

[mad_as_he$$]

Up just heard it confirmed minute after my last post. Seems odd. I will got to the top of the hill and see what’s up.

[mad_as_he$$]

Up just heard it confirmed minute after my last post. Seems odd. I will got to the top of the hill and see what’s up.

[EveningStar]

Thanks.

[JRios1968]

Any word from our friends there?

[valkyry1]

RENO, Nev.—A pilot has been killed in a crash during a practice run before the start of the annual Reno National Championship Air Races.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor says the female pilot was killed Saturday morning at Reno Stead Airport when the wings of her homebuilt, single-engine plane broke off as she was performing a roll.

[Larry Lucido]

Thank you.

Prayers for the pilot.

[TheMom]

Thanks for that.

[EveningStar]

Nothing new.

[mad_as_he$$]

Just got back from the top of the hill with Mad Dog. Cannot see anything on the West side talked to a friend who saw the incident. He said that it surprised him. The plane was rolling but not all that hard. He would not call it a snap roll and the wings just came off. Local radio says it was experimental - not unusual here during race season. All is quiet at the moment nothing even in the air. Weather about the time of the crash 70f and no wind. Clear as a bell.

[Eaker]

Prayers for Dasher’s compatriot!

[al baby]

ok thats a relief but prayers to the pilot her crew and family

[Fintan]

My heart stopped when I saw this on my ping list.

[al baby]

mine too friend

[EveningStar]

Update:

National Championship Air Race Pilot Involved in Fatal Crash at Reno-Stead Airport

RENO, Nev. - Officials from the National Championship Air Races haveconfirmed that 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.

More (PDF format)

[EveningStar]

See post 25 for update.

[EveningStar]

Erica (Hoagland) Simpson:

Identity of pilot killed today revealed

Erica Simpson Aerosports

Erica Hoagland Racing

Find a job you would do for free on a Saturday

[RckyRaCoCo]

This one?

[EveningStar]

Sure looks like it. :(

[RckyRaCoCo]

Sad...she joins a list of many other great pilots who died doing what they loved to do.

Read her bio on one of your links...what a lady...RIP Erica

[freepersup]

I believe this is the FAA N number registration you’re looking for...

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNumSQL.asp?NNumbertxt=1PW&cmndfind.x=16&cmndfind.y=11

[al baby]

Damm I sure hope this aint a repeat of last year

[freepersup]

I believe this to be the subject aircraft (Pitts S2S) that crashed...

[freepersup]

Minor correction: the aircraft model is a PITTS S-2S, (I left out the dash).

[EveningStar]

Another article with some different details

[freepersup]

Looks like your find is the correct one. I missed the PDF data link in post 25. Preparing the oven for a serving of humble pie and crow, freeper style.

[EveningStar]

Don’t worry about it. You’ll never catch up to me in mistakes. Ask the mods if you don’t believe me. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve pushed the abuse button on myself to delete a comment or a thread. :)

[freepersup]

Cassutt IIIM:

The racing model boasts an 8G rating, with an ultimate 12G rating, on a 15' wing (cantilevered). 3 layers of Sitka spruce are laminated together, to form up the wing spar. What shouldn't have happened, did. Somebody is going to be showing the G men, their construction documentation (as well they should).

I would like to see an image of the wing installed through the fuselage, during the construction phase, and prior to the skin's application.

Rest in peace brave eagle.

[freepersup]

You’re too kind, and HILARIOUS as well! I too had thoughts of contacting the mods., in order to direct (my) erroneous posts into the cyber heap.

I’m glad we can have a laugh between freepers, even as we post to such a serious matter as the loss of a life. A life, I might add, that was lived to the fullest.

I raise my glass in honor of Erica (Hoagland) Simpson.

[RckyRaCoCo]

No problem freepersup....I actually thought the same until I saw the PDF.

Thanks for all the links EveningStar.

Let's hope the Air Races are a safe one...been far too many accidents at air shows over the last few years.