Analysis Suggests High 'G' Forces In Violent Pitch-Up

The leading theory, and we're quick to stress that it is only a theory, behind what may have led to Friday's accident at the Reno Air Race points to the possibility that pilot Jimmy Leeward blacked out after his modified P-51 pitched up sharply before nosing over and impacting the ground. Analysis points to the loss of an elevator trim tab as a possible factor in the accident.

 Trim Tab Failure

The NTSB says that any discussion of what might have happened is "purely speculation" at this point, but the Wall Street Journal reports that investigators are focusing on photos and video that show the tab separating from the airplane before the accident, which could have caused the sharp pitch-up of the airplane.

The pitch-up could have caused Leeward to lose consciousness. Former NTSB investigator Greg Feigh said the violent nature of the attitude change could also have ruptured part of the pilot's seat, making it impossible for Leeward to reach the controls, the WSJ reported. Leeward's head is not visible in the cockpit in some close-up images of the aircraft just prior to impact.

NTSB officials say a preliminary report on the accident could be out as early as Friday, but the establishment of probable cause will take several months or more.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov