Actually, it was not an “elderly airplane.” It was a “scratch built” (i.e., a new or “zero time”) aircraft which resembled a P-51. As I understand it, there were no P-51 parts in the airplane.
FYI, the FAA does not allow Airshow aircraft to fly over the spectators. My memory is that spectators are at least a quarter mile south of the racing line — no one is “sitting under the path” of the race.
And, your remark: ”It ain’t crashed before, so let’s keep lowering safety standards until we have a disaster - Duh!” is a most ignorant comment!
You do not have a clue about aircraft or air race safety — the safety standards at Reno are continuously being critiqued, evaluated, and revised to provide as much safety as is humanly possible for the pilots, crewmen and spectators.
You should retract your statements, pal. What happened was a tragedy, no question about it. But your unfounded and ignorant comments are not going to help matters any.
Sorry. No retraction. I’ve been flown over at air SHOWS, but have never dared attend an air RACE, where the fatality rate is so high.
They even fly over residences of unconsenting non-spectators.
If you had seen the fatal video of the Reno crash, you might change your mind.
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”.