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 died in a fatal crash during the Jet Gold race at the 2022 Stihl National Championship Air Races in Reno.
The accident, involving Hogue's L-29 jet "Ballista," led to the immediate suspension and eventual shuttering of all remaining races and events.
The FAA and NTSB have initiated an investigation into the crash, which occurred near Pylon 5.
The tragedy deeply impacted the Reno air racing community, who gathered to mourn Hogue, with the event already operating under strained conditions due to local wildfires.

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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.