The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office confirms that one person has died as a result of a plane crash at the Reno Air Races today. WCSO detectives are currently working the scene with the Medical Examiner’s Office. No names will be released pending notification of next of kin. — Washoe Sheriff (@WashoeSheriff) September 19, 2022
WARNING: The videos and photos in this story may be graphic and disturbing to readers.
The plane crashed at high speed on lap 3 of 6 on outer pylon 5 during the Jet Gold Race, causing a fire, according to KRNV. According to the Reno Gazette Journal, Reno Air Racing Association CEO and President Fred Telling confirmed the pilot’s death in an update Sunday afternoon. “(We) extend our deepest condolences to the pilot’s family and friends,” he said. Telling did not release the pilot’s name. Update: The FAA will conduct an investigation into the crash that occurred in the third round of the Jet Gold Race. The name of the dead pilot has not been released.https://t.co/5Zmht0BkzC — RGJ.com (@rgj) September 19, 2022 The aircraft involved was an Aero L-29 Delfin manufactured by Czech aircraft company Aero Vodochody, according to the NTSB. The military jet trainer was primarily used by the Soviet Air Force during the Cold War. Onlookers near Reno-Stead Airport captured video of the crash. The Reno Air Racing Association immediately suspended the 2022 event following the incident. We are currently gathering information and confirming details of the incident that occurred today during the Jet Gold Race. We can confirm that only one plane is involved. The National Air Racing Championship has suspended all operations for the 2022 event. — Reno Air Racing Association (@RenoAirRaces) September 18, 2022 The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash. The NTSB is investigating the September 18 crash of an Aero Vodochody L-29 near Reno, Nevada. — NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) September 19, 2022 ©2022 Cox Media Group
