Reno National Air Races

Homestalgia Archive

Community memory · 2011 · Aug 7, 2026

Verified

On September 16, 2011, tragedy struck the Reno National Air Races when a highly modified P-51 Mustang, 'The Galloping Ghost,' piloted by veteran racer Jimmy Leeward, crashed into the box seat area in front of the grandstands. The catastrophic accident resulted in the deaths of Leeward and ten spectators, and injured dozens more. The scene was one of chaos and profound shock, as emergency crews immediately responded to the devastating impact zone. The incident led to a temporary halt of the races, a comprehensive investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and significant changes in safety protocols for future air racing events. This somber day remains a stark reminder of the inherent risks in high-speed aviation and had a lasting impact on the air race community.

Source: National Transportation Safety Board, investigation report on the September 16, 2011 crash of North American P-51D N79111 at Reno/Stead Airport (2012); National Transportation Safety Board, air-racing safety recommendations and related safety communications (2012–2013)