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Reno Air Races Canceled Following Fatal Collision

Officials said they ended this year’s National Championship Air Races in Reno after two competing aircraft collided.

Nick Macy and Six-Cat were well-known at Reno. [Courtesy: RARA]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) canceled the final edition of its annual National Championship Air Races after two aircraft collided mid-air during the recovery period of the T-6 Gold Race.
  • Pilots Nick Macy and Chris Rushing, both highly skilled Gold winners in the T-6 Class, died in the accident.
  • The decision to end the event was made following discussions with the pilots' families and race class representatives, who overwhelmingly voted to stop racing.
  • RARA is cooperating with the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as they investigate the tragic incident.
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The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) on Sunday canceled the final edition of its annual National Championship Air Races after two aircraft collided at about 2:15 p.m. PDT during the recovery period following the T-6 Gold Race. RARA earlier said racing at the Nevada event was on hold following the accident but indicated it might resume.  

The organization also identified the two pilots who died in the accident. They are Nick Macy, who piloted Six-Cat and Chris Rushing, who flew Baron’s Revenge.  RARA said both were “expertly skilled pilots and Gold winners in the T-6 Class,  Families of both pilots have been notified and support services are onsite as they deal with this tragedy.” There were no additional casualties on the ground, the group said.

Jonathan Welsh

Jonathan Welsh is Lead Editor of Aviation Consumer and a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4

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