NTSB Investigating Reno Race Crash, Nine Dead
Nine people, including stunt pilot Jimmy Leeward, were reported killed and more than 50 others were hurt when a WWII-era plane crashed during a race.
An investigative team from the National Transportation Safety Board is beginning to investigate the Sept. 16 crash of a P-51 Mustang during the National Championship Air Races event in Las Vegas. The World War II-era fighter plane dove into part of the grandstands, killing pilot Jimmy Leeward and eight spectators. Authorities raised the death toll to nine during a briefing on Saturday. More than 50 other people were injured, the Associated Press reported.
Race organizers already reported they believe mechanical problems caused the crash; Leeward was a veteran stunt pilot who loved to race the aircraft, according to the report.
A large number of the injuries are serious: 15 people were in critical condition Friday evening and 13 others were in serious condition with potentially life-threatening injuries, according to the report.