PICTURED: Two T-6 pilots, Chris Rushing and Nick Macy, are killed after crashing during landing at end of Reno Air Race
Two pilots were killed after their planes crashed into each other while landing at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, much to the shock of shocked spectators.
Nick Macy and Chris Rushing were declared dead by the Reno Air Racing Association and were known as “expertly skilled pilots and gold winners in the T-6 class.”
According to the official 2023 NCAR Race Plan schedule, the T-6 Class – Gold Race started at 1:45 PM and was scheduled to end at 2:15 PM, which is when the two pilots collided as the race ended.
Macy reportedly flew the Six-Cat plane from Tulelake, California, while Rushing flew the Baron’s Revenge from Van Nuys, California. Rushing won Sunday’s race and was the defending champion.
No injuries were reported and the cause of the incident is under investigation.
Nick Macy (left) and Chris Rushing (right) were killed Sunday after colliding during the final Reno Air Race
RARA streamed live all day, but according to their Facebook page the footage was halted as comments flooded in with reports of the crash in real time
According to the official 2023 NCAR Race Plan schedule, the T-6 Class – Gold Race started at 1:45 PM and was scheduled to end at 2:15 PM, which is when the two pilots collided as the race ended.
“Safety is RARA’s primary concern and we work year-round to host the safest event possible,” the Reno Air Racing Association said in a statement.
“As we always do, we are working with the National Transportation Safety Board, the FAA and all local authorities to determine the cause of the accident and ensure that all of our pilots, spectators and volunteers have the necessary support during this time.” , the spokesperson said. the agency said
The association added that they had made the decision to cancel the remainder of the races following the fatal crash, and are working to contact the pilot’s families.
RARA streamed live all day, but according to their Facebook page the footage was halted as comments flooded in with reports of the crash in real time.
The Reno Air Races, officially known as the National Air Race Championships, is a multi-day aviation industry event that takes place in September.
For the past sixty years, the races have been held in Reno, Nevada, but this was the last year at that location.
In a letter posted on the RARA website in March, they said: ‘Although we knew this day would come, we had hoped it would not come so quickly. Citing, among other things, the significant growth of the region, the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority has decided to discontinue the event.”
Macy and Rushing were declared dead by the Reno Air Racing Association and were known as “expertly skilled pilots and gold winners in the T-6 class”
Fred Telling, president of the Reno Air Racing Association and president of the T-6 class, said KTVN: ‘I am completely devastated and heartbroken today. These two pilots were not only an integral part of the National Championship Air Race family, they were part of my family. My heart goes out to their own families and to all the spectators and fans who have supported us so enthusiastically this week.’
T6 aircraft are typically known to be used by the United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. The aircraft itself is a single-engine aircraft with two seats
Macy helped run a family flying business called Macy’s Flight Servicefirst founded in 1965 in Tulelake, California.
“Macy’s Flying Service is honored to take to the skies and hit the ground for the farmers and ranchers of the Klamath Basin and beyond. We are proud to serve the community we call home,” the company website states.
Rushing won the 2022 Reno Championships with a race speed of 390.213 mph.
He had also won Sunday’s race.
In 2014, ABC-7 According to Rushing, he was also known for training younger pilots in the AT-6 plans, and continually honored the men and women who risked their lives for their country.
T6 aircraft are typically known to be used by the United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.
The aircraft itself is a single-engine aircraft with two seats.