Fatal Collision During Reno Air Races T-6 Gold Race Results in Loss of Two Pilots

NEVADA – At the Reno-Stead Airport, the site of the National Championship Air Races, two expert pilots perished in a terrifying accident during the T-6 Class – Gold Race.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the collision occurred when a single-engine North American T-6G and a single-engine North American AT-6B collided mid-air at approximately 2:45 p.m. on September 17. The Reno Air Racing Association identified the pilots as Nick Macy, piloting Six-Cat, and Chris Rushing, at the controls of Baron’s Revenge, both being Gold winners in the T-6 Class.

This tragic event occurred at two locations near the western area of the airport, but thankfully, no bystanders were hurt. This tragic event caused the organizers of the National Championship Air Races to call off the rest of the competition.

The 2023 event marked the end of nearly six decades of Reno air race history, as concerns for public safety and area development led to this sad decision.

Last year, on the final day of the races in 2022, another pilot, Aaron Hogue of Paso Robles, California, lost his life when his L-29 Super Delfin crashed during the Jet Gold race.

The National Transportation Safety Board has initiated an investigation into this tragic collision.

Credits: News3LV