Two Pilots Confirmed Deceased By Race Officials

Updated Report 09.17.23, 1949ET: A new statement from the Reno racing organization reads as follows...

"The Reno Air Racing Association is heartbroken to announce that around 2:15 p.m. this afternoon, two members of our racing family, Nick Macy and Chris Rushing, passed away in a landing accident. Both expertly skilled pilots and Gold winners in the T-6 Class, Macy piloted Six-Cat and Rushing flew Baron’s Revenge. Families of both pilots have been notified and support services are onsite as they deal with this tragedy. There were no civilian casualties and RARA is doing everything we can to support the families and friends of the involved pilots. After conversations with the families and with the race classes, we have made the decision to cancel the remainder of the races.

'I am completely devastated and heartbroken today,' said Fred Telling, Chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association and President of the T-6 Class. 'These two pilots weren’t just an integral part of the National Championship Air Race family, they were a part of my family. My heart goes out to their own families and to all of the spectators and fans who have so enthusiastically supported us this week.'

Safety is the foremost concern of RARA and we work year-round to host the safest event possible. As we always do, we are cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board, the FAA and all local authorities to identify the cause of the accident and ensure that all of our pilots, spectators and volunteers have the necessary support during this time."

Original Report: 09.17.23, 1808ET: Sometimes, you can't catch a break and it seems that if Reno didn't have bad luck, they'd have no luck at all... 

Two pilots are confirmed dead after the completion of a T-6 Gold Race as they returned to the field and collided while heading for the runway. Race pilots at the site have furnished multiple reports that both aircraft collided while heading for final... with one aircraft getting its tail severed and impacting shortly thereafter, with the other continuing a short distance before going down. While we have solid info on what aircraft and pilots were involved, we will not report that info until we have confirmation that all proper persons have been notified. 

The Reno Air Races have released the following statement... 

"It is with great sorrow that the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announces that around 2:15 p.m. this afternoon, at the conclusion of the T-6 Gold race, upon landing, two planes collided and it has been confirmed that both pilots are deceased. The RARA Board of Directors and the T-6 class president are working to notify next of kin and ensure families have all of our support. There were no civilian injuries and we’re in the process of confirming additional details around the incident. Additional information will be released as soon as it is available. All racing operations are currently suspended.  
Safety is the foremost concern of RARA and we work year round to host the safest event possible. As we always do, we are cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board, the FAA and all local authorities to identify the cause of the accident and ensure that all of our pilots, spectators and volunteers have the necessary support during this time."

More info to follow... 

FMI: https://airrace.org/