2 Pilots Killed in Reno Air Racing Event: 'Completely Devastated and Heartbroken'

Chris Rushing.Photo:Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images

Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images

Two pilots died at an air racing show in Reno, Nevada, after their planes collided on Sunday.

California residents Nick Macy and Chris Rushing were killed during the final day of the National Championship Air Races, the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA)said in a statementposted to social media.The planes collided upon landing after the T-6 Gold Race. The National Transportation Safety Boardtold CBS Newsthat the wreckage of the planes landed about a half mile from each other.

No other casualties were reported.

Formally known as the North American Aviation T-6 Texan, the planes were used to train pilots in the Air Force during World War II. Both men were “expertly skilled pilots,” according to RARA, with Macy piloting a plane called the Six-Cat and Rushing flying a plane named Baron’s Revenge.

“I am completely devastated and heartbroken today,” RARA chairman Fred Telling said in the statement. “These two pilots weren’t just an integral part of the National Championship Air Race family, they were a part of my family. My heart goes out to their own families and to all of the spectators and fans who have so enthusiastically supported us this week.”

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The pilot spoke to the station in July about the pride he took in his role as an aviation ambassador.

“To be able to fly, represent the Condor Squadron, these military airplanes, on a day like today in front of millions of people, it’s a real honor,” he said about his participation in the annual July 4th event.

Macy was based in Tulelake, a California town in Siskiyou County, just south of the Oregon border, per KABC.

“Safety is the foremost concern of RARA and we work year-round to host the safest event possible,” RARA said in its statement.

“As we always do, we are cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board, the FAA and all local authorities to identify the cause of the accident and ensure that all of our pilots, spectators and volunteers have the necessary support during this time,” the organization added.

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Sunday’s fatal crash happened nearly a year to the day thatanother pilot was killedin a crash during the same race. Organizers also scrapped the remainder of the day’s events after that crash.

source: people.com