1) The pilot was 80-year-old Jimmy Leeward.
2) Crashed near grandstand.
3) 12 confirmed dead, 75 or more with critical injuries.
4) One witness Tweeted that "a man was cut in half".
Prayer, Lord....
No fire though, that is probably a good thing.
Jimmy was 80?
That tends to lend credence to my speculation (shared by several others btw) of a blackout caused by G-forces in the turn.
Those Mustangs were designed to be flown by 19 - 25 year old Warriors in top physical condition. Even at 63 I know my vascular system ain’t what it used to be, and it takes some stamina to execute that “pushing” maneuver used to resist the evacuation of blood from the brain in a turn or pull-up.
Unless he was in exceptional condition (and some 80-year olds are), I frankly have to wonder if it was prudent for him to be riding a bull, climbing the Matterhorn, white water rafting down the Colorado River or racing a souped up P-51.
The term “Pushing the envelope” comes to mind.
Obviously, that proverbial envelope got pushed a little too hard this time. And obviously, that is a lot more obvious to us Monday Morning Quarterbacks in remote retrospect.
Don’t be surprised, however, if the FAA has something to say about age or physical stamina limits in future air races.
thanks VR
Insurance companies will not let anyone fly commercial airlines cargo that is over 80. Even younger for passenger planes
Jimmy Leeward was 74, not 80. He was an experience pilot who flew in many air shows and in several movies. He lived in Ocala, FL and is well known in the aviation community here.