Air Races

The pilot and the plane involved in the horrible accident at the National Championship Air Races in Reno were the oldest participants in the event.

Some of the initial reports had ageist tones to them, but it is clear Jimmy Leeward was a highly experienced pilot and has been credited for being able to steer his plane in an instant to avoid the grandstands, thus saving hundreds of lives.  The air races are one of the two biggest events in Reno, with the other being Hot August Nights.  Reno has many major events during the summer beginning with the Reno Rodeo, so the cancellation of the air races is a major blow to the already economically depressed area.  However, this was the only  course of action despite Leeward's family insisting the event go on.

A clip of  Leeward and his plane from a couple of days ago can be seen here.

There have been other fatalities over the years, but none of these had ever involved spectators.

I believe the air races will continue, but more safety measures will probably be put in.  However, something like this was unavoidable, just like car crashes are unavoidable in the Indy 500.

Update:  At least nine have died as a result of injuries in the crash including pilot Leeward.