NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Reno Midair

The NTSB has released the preliminary report on the investigation into the midair collision that ended the Reno Air Races last month.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 04:16 PM ET

Verified

[Courtesy of the National Transportation Safety Board]

Key Takeaways:

The NTSB's preliminary report on the fatal midair collision at the Reno Air Races states two aircraft (Race 6 and Race 14) were returning to land when the incident occurred, killing both pilots.
Witness accounts indicate the two planes were flying uncoordinated patterns on the downwind and base legs, with one pilot describing unexpected positioning and another observing them at the same altitude, colliding at a 75-degree angle.
Wreckage analysis shows a violent impact, with debris from both aircraft commingled and scattered over a significant path.

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released the preliminary report on the investigation into the midair collision that ended the Reno Air Races last month. Both pilots were killed in the accident that took place on September 17. The race had concluded, and both pilots were returning to land on Runway 8.

The report refers to the aircraft involved by their race numbers. Race 6, which is the North American T-6G, N2897G (Six Cat), and Race 14, North American AT-6B, N57418 (Baron’s Revenge).