A fatal jet crash occurred at the National Championship Air Races in Reno on Sunday.
Race officials have suspended operations, and several media reports are reporting that a pilot was killed.
“At this time we are gathering information and confirming details of the incident that happened today during the Jet Gold Race,” stated a tweet from the Reno Air Racing Association. “We can confirm that only one plane was involved. The National Championship Air Races has suspended all operations for the 2022 event.”
The association later confirmed the fatality.
“One person is dead after a single jet went down during the championship round of the Reno Air Races on Sunday afternoon,” News 4 of Reno tweeted around 6 p.m.
The annual event has had several fatal incidents over the years.
On Sept. 16, 2011, The Galloping Ghost, a highly modified North American P-51D Mustang racing aircraft, piloted by Jimmy Leeward crashed into the box seats and killed 10 people as well as Leeward. Nearly 70 other people were injured.
A moment of silence was held on the one-year anniversary of the accident at Reno-Stead Airport for Leeward and 10 victims on the ground.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contact Marvin Clemons at [email protected]. Follow @Marv_in_Vegas on Twitter.
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