Air race changes aim to prevent crashes like one that killed 11

RENO - Pilots are praising a new course designed to keep them farther away from spectators at the Reno National Championship Air Races after last year's accident that killed 11 people.

Pilots who flew the course for the first time during last week's training seminar ahead of the Sept. 12-16 races reacted positively to it, said Reno Air Racing Association President Mike Houghton.

The repositioning of several pylons moves the course about 150 feet farther away from spectators and helps ease the gravitational pull on pilots competing in the fastest of six aircraft classes by smoothing out some turns, he said.

A modified World War II P-51 Mustang crashed last September at the Reno National Championship Air Races, killing 11 people and injuring about 70 others.

"I don't think it'll have an impact on speeds, just the G-force pilots feel," Houghton said. "Every change we've made has taken safety to the next level, and this is one of those steps."

The competition at Reno Stead Airport is the only event of its kind in the world, with planes flying wing tip-to-wing tip around an oval pylon track, sometimes just 50 feet off the ground and at speeds of over 500 mph. Last week's seminar, which drew nearly 50 rookies and veterans, for the first time offered special training to provide a feel for the gravitational pull pilots will experience when racing.

Pilot Jimmy Leeward, 74, was traveling at 530 mph when his P-51 Mustang pitched skyward while making a turn, then rolled and slammed into the ground nose first near box seats. Investigators said instruments from the aircraft showed the plane exceeded 9 Gs, and that appears to have incapacitated the pilot as blood rushed from his brain.

Houghton said the new course is expected to reduce the G-force on pilots in the fastest classes from roughly 3 to 2. It's difficult for people to maintain awareness at 5 Gs. Average roller coasters expose riders to about 2 to 3 Gs, but only for brief moments.

The changes are in line with safety recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board after last year's crash.

The cause of last year's crash is still under investigation, and the NTSB is expected to release a final report on it later this year.

Houghton's association is trying to raise money to cover a $1.7 million increase in insurance costs after last year's crash. The organization previously paid $300,000 for insurance.