Posted on 11/01/2011 4:38:49 PM PDT by EveningStar
The family of a Texas man killed when a racing aircraft crashed into spectators in the National Championship Air Races in Reno filed a $25 million lawsuit Tuesday against the pilot's family, a mechanic on the World War II-era aircraft and the Nevada organization that hosted the event.
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
Galloping Ghost was a highly modified P-51. It was not “scratch” built. The wing cut was slightly shorter than Strega or Voodoo, the radiator doghouse on the belly of the plane was removed and a boil-off system was used for engine cooling. A racing style canopy and fairing replaced the P-51 bubble canopy.
The plane had previously raced at Reno, with less modification, as “Jeannie” (Won Reno Gold in 1980 and 81) and “Miss Candace” and with Jimmy as Owner/Pilot as “Specter” and “Leeward Air Ranch Special”.
I was there...Box A81
Go Bear!
Jimmy Leeward's #9 - Cloud Dancer...Featured on the program cover
I don’t know. I inherited the file from a predecessor. The file name is “707_barrel_roll.jpg.” :)
Love it!
The web site that I saw pretty much convinced me that it was a scratch built airplane.
I stand corrected — Galloping Ghost was a very highly modified WWII P-51D.
I have watched the video several times. It was most unfortunate that the trim tab failure occurred when it did. Had the failure happened anywhere else on the course, the aircraft would not have crashed into the box seats.
In the normal course of events, the race aircraft are not allowed to fly over the crowd.
You’re obviously incapable of drawing a logical conclusion from historical data. May I suggest you go insult someone with a room temperature IQ who will be baffled by your Sophmoric BS. Have fun.
Exactly right, it was a fluke. If the races continue, I will be back in Box A81.
Thanks, Northern Yankee...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0jcqw6-nZA&feature=player_embedded
From prime time Sunday Night Football program on NBC. Cowboys vs Eagles -- There are other linked videos nearby, too. What did agent Mulder say to agent Sculley ___ ?
LOL !
Detroit has them. I believe Long Beach does as well.
Reno is the only place on earth you will find Closed Course Pylon Racing these days. They have been racing there for 48 years - over twice as long as the Cleveland Races.
They have had Red Bull Air Races - which is completely different - at locations such as San Diego, San Francisco and Detroit.
Red Bull Air Races were canceled.
I was also on-site for the incident. As I have been for the last 14 years. Over the years, I have seen 7 fatal crashes.
This is the first time since 1949 (Cleveland) that a spectator was killed at an air race in the USA.
Beelz, if you have a problem with me and my friends exercising our freedoms as Americans to attend, spectate or fly-in airshows and air races... feel free to tell it to someone who cares.
The American Spirit has always been fueled by building bigger, doing better, going faster, living on the edge ... My spirit will not be throttled by people like you who shy away from living life fully.
If we have the races next year - I will be there, with bells on - standing together with friends, pilots, racers, and fans ... cheering wildly for the last place on earth that allows us to spread our wings and race.
“They even fly over residences of unconsenting non-spectators.”
This statement is utterly false. Not true. There are no manmade structures within the pattern (racecourse), save the pylons. They may fly over residences during takeoff and landing but not while racing.
See you there, brother!
: )
They even fly over residences of unconsenting non-spectators.
This statement is utterly false. Not true. There are no manmade structures within the pattern (racecourse), save the pylons.
Look at the fatality rate of participants and spectators for air shows, Reno-type air races, Red Bull races, and car races. One of those has a fatality rate averaged over recent decades of hundreds of times the others.
Watch the Red Bull Air Races on FoxSports, they’re held in many major cities around the world. They’re a whole lot safer and more entertaining than the Reno Air Races.
... sound check ...
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