Update: Reno Jet Gold Race Ends in Tragedy

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 10:03 AM ET

Verified

RARA / Ballista, the L-29 flown by pilot Aaron Hogue, was at the top position for the start of the Jet Gold Class race on Sunday. [From racingjets.com]

Key Takeaways:

Pilot Aaron Hogue tragically died when his L-29 jet crashed during the Jet Gold race at the 2022 Reno Air Races on Sunday.
Following the fatal accident, the Reno Air Racing Association immediately halted and ultimately shuttered the entire event, canceling all remaining races.
The FAA and NTSB have launched an investigation into the crash, which occurred during a race series already affected by poor visibility from wildfires.
Instead of an awards ceremony, RARA hosted a communal gathering for racers, teams, and supporters to collectively grieve and find strength.

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A dusty series of races for 2022 ended abruptly on Sunday afternoon. Reno Air Racing Association’s (RARA) Stihl National Championship Air Races saw tragedy in the Jet Gold race, with pilot Aaron Hogue flying into the dirt in his L-29, Ballista.

Pilots on scene posted onto social media immediately following the accident, which took place near Pylon 5 on the course. All other jets in the heat returned to base safely.