Stupid Guest Tricks

A P-51 crashed today, killing three.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142 ... 12598.html

Hopefully there aren't going to be people coming out of the woodwork to say they should quit having the Reno Air Race like they did about the Oregon International Air Show in Hillsboro, OR in 2004. But I suspect they will.

As someone who loves to fly, this saddens me. At the same time, you aren't a pilot in the Reno Air Race without knowing what the risks are, and without absolutely loving what you are doing.

To the pilot and those killed, rest in peace. To those hurt, a speedy recovery. And to those who witnessed it, peace of mind.

Aye, a friend of mine was there and posted on FB that a propeller flew about 20 feet away from him.
Coincidentally, a former Dreamworks animator who has moved over to the Mouse House.
Him and his friends are okay physically, but to say he's shaken is a bit of an understatement.

And sadly, last I read, the toll was up to 9. :(

T

Just saw pics from whatever,,,Small trim-tab broke off. Doesn't seem like much,but just enough to ruin your day. :(

Planes are an amazing thing. The balance that goes into them is downright staggering. It amazes me that the Wright Brothers were ever able to take off. Then, to hop in a Cessna, go out and do a bunch of touch-and-go flights and during any cruising you are doing (the airport I flew out of was NOT good for touch-and-go operations, so we would head over to McMinnville, home of the Spruce Goose... picture coming soon) the plane just feels so stable.

Then you take off something that can't even be seen, or rather its absence can't be seen from any of the videos by the untrained naked eye...

Death toll is currently up to 10. Even at that high a count, two things should be noted: It was the first fatality of any spectators in 44 years, and the toll could have been much, much higher.

This was pretty scary. Da kid was there the day before with his AFJROTC class. he showed us in a pic how close he was sitting to the impact.

This morning the local news said death toll up to 11. The local news stations in sac are having a field day with this. There is also talk of canceling the event due to this tragic accident.

Steve

The Reno Air Race will be held this year.

"Many of the victims, their families, air race teams and fans have told us they are coming to Reno this September no matter what. We feel it is our obligation to give them something, no matter what," Houghton said.