Tenth Death Reported Following Reno Air Race Crash
RENO, NEVADA - ABC News reported this morning a tenth person has died as a result of injuries sustained when a plane crashed at the Reno Championship Air Races on Friday. According to news reports, a male patient died overnight at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center.
Over the weekend, it was reported that the NTSB was examining whether a missing tail component - an elevator trim tab - could have caused the plane to spiral out of control. Witnesses reported seeing something drop off the tail of the plain as the P-51 Mustang Galloping Ghost rounded the final clubhouse turn of the race, moments before the plane crashed. In one photo, a piece of metal needed to maintain the aircraft's balance appears to be missing.
The Galloping Ghost was fitted with a forward facing camera, which NTSB investigators say they were able to recover. The plane was also equipped with a flight data system that recorded altitude, engine performance and velocity in real-time. NTSB officials reportedly will also review the pilot's age and a medical history. An ABC News consultant said Monday that he was concerned that Leeward may not have been conscious during the crash.
In addition to the 10 reported deaths, dozens of people suffered a wide range of injuries including, limb and facial injuries, amputations and major head wounds. The Washoe County Medical Examiner has so far identified five of the deceased victims as George Hewitt, 60, of Bellingham, Wash.; Regina Bynum, 53, of San Angelo, Texas; Sharon Stewart, 47, Reno; Gregory Morcom, 47, Stanwood, Wash.; and James Leeward, of Ocala, Fla, the 74-year-old pilot of the P-51 crashed plane.
If you were injured or if a loved one died in this accident, contact the Reno air race accident attorneys at Estey Bomberger for a free consultation. Our experienced aviation accident lawyers can advise you of your legal rights to compensation for your injuries or loss, and your best course of action following this devastating and tragic incident.
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RENO, NEVADA - The intense investigation has begun to determine why the pilot of a World War II era plane lost control at the Reno Championship Air Races on Friday, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens more. Over the weekend, it was revealed that the plane involved in the crash he 65-year-old 'Galloping Ghost', had underwent "radical changes" and "massive overhauls" to increase speed. Modifications included shortening the wings and horizontal tail. Other changes to improve aerodynamics included removing the water and oil radiators from the belly and replacing them with a boil-off cooling system. 
RENO, NEVADA -- The death toll has risen to nine individuals Saturday in the horrific Reno air race show crash that took place on September 16th at around 4 p.m., the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. According to Reno Deputy Police Chief Dave Evans, the deaths included seven people who were killed on the tarmac and two others who died at hospitals. The fatal crash of the P-51 Mustang flown by veteran race pilot Jimmy Leeward, 74, has also resulted in a variety of serious injuries to spectators involved in the incident. These injuries included major head wounds, facial trauma and limb injuries, including amputations. Doctors who have treated the injured said it was among the most severe situations that they had ever dealt with due to the large number of people, which included at least two children under the age of 18 who were not in critical condition. 
RENO, NEVADA - At least three people are confirmed dead and scores of people seriously injured when a plane crashed into the stands at the Reno Championship Air Races, multiple national news outlets reported Friday night. The accident occurred at around 4:00 p.m. PST on Friday, September 16, 2011, when a World War II era P51 Mustang plane struck box seats at the air race. According to News 10, Mike Houghton, the President and CEO of the Reno Air Race stated that the cause of the crash is too early to determine; the cause of the accident will be investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. 
