Two pilots were killed after their planes crashed while landing at the National Air Racing Championship in Reno, much to the shock of horrified spectators.
Nick Macy and Chris Rushing were confirmed dead by the Reno Air Racing Association and were known as “expert pilots and gold winners in the T-6 class.”
According to the official NCAR 2023 Race Plan schedule, the T-6 Class – Gold Race began at 1:45 p.m. and was scheduled to finish at 2:15 p.m., when the two drivers collided at the end of the race.
Macy reportedly flew the Six-Cat aircraft out of Tulelake, California, while Rushing flew the Baron’s Revenge out of Van Nuys, California. Rushing won Sunday’s race and was the defending champion.
No other injuries were reported and an investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.
Nick Macy (left) and Chris Rushing (right) were killed after colliding during Sunday’s Reno Air Race finale
RARA broadcast live all day, but according to its Facebook page, footage was closed as comments poured in with reports of the accident in real time.
According to the official NCAR 2023 Race Plan schedule, the T-6 Class – Gold Race began at 1:45 p.m. and was scheduled to finish at 2:15 p.m., when the two drivers collided at the end of the race.
“Safety is RARA’s primary concern and we work year-round to host the safest event possible,” the Reno Air Racing Association said in a 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 statement said. the agency said
The association added that it had made the decision to cancel the remainder of the races following the fatal accident and was working to contact the drivers’ families.
RARA broadcast live all day, but according to its Facebook page, footage was closed as comments poured in with reports of the accident in real time.
The Reno Air Races, officially known as the National Championship Air Races, are a multi-day event for the aviation industry held in September.
For the past six decades, the races have been held in Reno, Nevada, but this was the last year there.
In a letter published on the RARA website in March, they said: “Although we knew this day might come, we had hoped it would not come so soon. Citing significant growth in the area, among other concerns, the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority made the decision to end the event.
Macy and Rushing were confirmed dead by the Reno Air Racing Association and were known as “expert pilots and gold winners in the T-6 class.”
Fred Telling, president of the Reno Air Racing Association and president of the T-6 class, said KTVN: ‘I’m completely devastated and heartbroken today. These two pilots were not only an integral part of the National Air Racing Championship family, they were part of my family. My heart goes out to their own families and to all the spectators and fans who supported us so enthusiastically this week.
T6 aircraft are generally known for use by the United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. The aircraft itself is a single-engine, two-seat aircraft
Macy helped run a family flight business called Macy’s Flight Servicefirst established in 1965 in Tulelake, California.
“Macy’s Flying Service is honored to take flight and touch down for the farmers and ranchers of the Klamath Basin and beyond. We are proud to serve the community we live in,” the company’s website states.
Rushing won 2022 Reno Championships at a race speed of 240.213 mph.
He also won Sunday’s race.
In 2014, ABC7 Rushing reported, he was also known for training young pilots on AT-6 designs and continually honored the men and women who risked their lives for their country.
T6 aircraft are generally known for use by the United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.
The aircraft itself is a single-engine, two-seat aircraft.
