10 people, including the pilot, have now died as a result of last Friday’s airplane crash at the Reno Air Show. Investigations in to the cause of the crash are still ongoing, but it is suspected that a piece of the airplane’s tail broke off of the modified World War II P-51 Mustang just before the plane spiraled out of control.
The National Transportation Safety Board is continuing to investigate what may have caused the plane to crash. Over the years, many modifications made to the Galloping Ghost to increase its speed and maneuverability. The NTSB will determine if any of these modifications may have been a factor in this tragedy. Some stunt pilots are convinced these modifications lead to additional stress on the airplanes, causing the crash.
The Reno Air Show, and specifically the National Championship Air Races held annually at the air show, has a history of accidents, crashes, and deaths. These modified planes, flying at such a high speed and at low altitude, have created a dangerous atmosphere, leading to repeated disasters.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this tragedy.
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