Michael Wogan, 22, of Scottsdale, Arizona Greg Morcom of Washington state
Poor guys. What a way to go!
What shutter speed would stop that prop at that speed?
Ugh, I hope this isn’t released to become some morbid viral video thrill.
The two old people and the webcam is bad enough.
A friend of mine sent me some pictures of the plane showing what appears to be the pilot slumped over in the seat after the plane went through the high G maneuvers. So it is “possible” he did pass out and might have been unconscious when the plane hit the ground. We will have to wait for the final report.
As has been reported this plane has been highly modified with the wings being recently shortened 5 feet per side plus trimming of the tail section for additional air speed. Again we will have to wait on the final report.
The only video card of interest is probably the one that was in the camera. I can’t imagine being cool headed enough to swap out a video card when you’re ABOUT... TO... CRASH!!!
Are they monkeying around with the chemistry of Avgas?
I notice on the picture that the tailwheel seems to be down. Anyone care to speculate on why?
I’ll reveal my personal Freeper take here.
I live in the Reno area, and drove through Reno an hour after the crash. I shared my thoughts with a dear friend. He shared his. His father, a naval aviator who finished as an admiral (my friend flew with him in juts as a teen) had at one time (decades ago) flown a Navy restored Corsair at the Reno Air races.
The flyer returned saying that the races were irresponsible, dangerous, and he would never return.
Rick old men aren’t equipped for top speeds in crowded airspace (unlike 20-somethings who spend several days a week in the air dog-fighting).
The planes aren’t maintained according to military procedure, but according to enthusiastic “go-fever”.
And the real fighter jocks don’t do it at low altitude over 10,000 innocent spectators.
Do your sh** over the jackrabbits in the desert, but don’t attract a crowd to endanger.
PS, the only ones to profit from the tourist influx are the occasion, and they have no liability skin in the game. (Corporate welfare).
http://www.warbird.com/voodoo.html
In the '98 unlimited championship the highly modified P51 for racing "Voodoo" ...
left elevator trim tab came off the airplane at speed, causing the bird to abruptly pitch up, subjecting driver Hannah to over 10 G's of deceleration forces, and causing him to lose conciousness! When he came to, the raceplane had climbed to over 9,000 feet of altitude. A shaken Hannah regained control and brought Voodoo in for a safe landing.
