NTSB Final Report Reveals Pilot Error as Cause of Fatal 2023 Reno Air Races Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded that a fatal midair collision between two T-6 aircraft at the final Reno Air Races in 2023 was caused by both pilots’ failure to see and avoid each other.
The NTSB released its final report this week on the crash that occurred on September 17, 2023. The accident claimed the lives of pilots Chris Rushing, 65, of Thousand Oaks, and Nick Macy, 67, of Tulelake, who had just finished first and second in the T-6 Gold Race.
The NTSB determined that deviations from standard traffic pattern procedures contributed to the accident. One aircraft was flying a wider base leg, while the other was on a tighter downwind leg. The collision occurred approximately 300 feet above ground level as both aircraft were entering the traffic pattern for Reno-Stead Airport.
According to witness testimony, the differing flight paths placed one aircraft to the right of the other’s flight path. This potentially hindered visibility between the pilots, leading to the fatal crash.
The tragic accident marked the end of the Reno Air Races’ decades-long run in Nevada. The National Championship Air Races have since relocated to Roswell, New Mexico. The first races at the new location are scheduled for later this month.