Accident Summary
On September 16, 2011, at about 1625 Pacific daylight time, an experimental, single-seat North American P-51D aircraft, registration N79111, operating as Race 177 'The Galloping Ghost,' collided with the airport ramp in the spectator box seating area at Reno/Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada. The collision occurred following a loss of control during the unlimited class gold race of the National Championship Air Races. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, and no flight plan had been filed. The aircraft had departed RTS about 10 minutes prior to the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The aircraft was registered to Aero-Trans Corp (doing business as Leeward Aeronautical Sales), based in Ocala, Florida. It was operated by a commercial pilot. The aircraft was classified as experimental and was a North American P-51D model.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and 10 individuals on the ground sustained fatal injuries. At least 64 people on the ground were injured, with at least 16 of those reported to have sustained serious injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage and fragmented upon collision with the ramp.
Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted the investigation. The full Aircraft Accident Report is available as NTSB/AAB-12/01. The report includes detailed findings regarding the circumstances of the accident.