Reno Air Races and Air Racing News: Tragedy and Sorrow at Reno 99

Saturday's event was marred by a tragic event involving Gary Levitz piloting Miss Ashley II. The pilot was critically injured - and the aircraft destroyed. The below link is an audio clip of the official press conference held by RARA (Reno Air Racing Association):

Press Conference (1.3 megs)

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Federal Investigators of the NTSB and the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) continue their investigation on to the exact causes of the crash - but it is definitely attributed to structural failure. Eye witnesses to the event include Ken Spara (Inner 3 pylon judge - off duty at the time visiting pylon 1), Howard Merritt (outer pylon 3 judge), David Lane (pylon 1 judge), Maxine Carlin (pylon T5 judge - visiting outer pylon 3), Mark Scheidecker (press photographer - pylon 2 who happened to be focused on the aircraft at the time of the breakup) and Matt Jackson (pilot of "Rare Bear" - flying behind Levitz in MA2) had the following to add concerning the details of the crash.

Just at the completion of the first lap, Miss Ashley II passed pylon 1 and went straight - like it was leaving the race course. Matt Jackson stated an elevator - the horizontal piece of the tail that controls pitch - broke off, throwing the plane out of control. Other eye witnesses stated the aircraft appeared to pitch down violently causing the wing & tail section to overstress, coming apart from the main structure in mid-flight. One account described that they noticed the aircraft slightly porpoising (the fuselage oscillating from nose down to a nose up attitude) prior to the mid-air break up. The aircraft was in fifth place and no other aircraft were involved in the accident. The wreckage went through a number of power lines - causing a power outage in the Lemon Valley area - striking an unoccupied section of land in a residential area. Some of the wreckage knocked a propane tank off it's foundation and a HASMAT team was dispatched. At the time of the interview - no leakage was discovered and the propane tank posed no danger. Stead Airport was closed immediately after the incident and the NTSB & RARA were on the scene. The Thunderbird show, scheduled after the race, was cancelled.

Following the conclusion of the Gold Unlimited Heat race two Unlimited Class pilots, Michael Brown & Bill Rhienschild, hugged each other - then walked to Gary's pit and hung their heads. They were quickly joined by Matt Jackson and Tom Dwelle in an impromptu ceremony. Holding one another, they said a prayer for their departed friend, Dwelle stated afterwards. During Sunday's event, all fans and participants alike devoted a moment of silence in remembrance of Gary Levitz - looking skyward as 4 aircraft flew in formation with one aircraft pulling up and towards the heavens [the "Missing Man" Formation] in tribute to their departed fellow racer.

We are indeed saddened at this tragic event which occurred, and offer our sincerest heartfelt condolences to Gary's family, Team Miss Ashley II, friends and the racing community. Just as the sign states which was placed in the pit area where Levitz had parked his plane during race week, we also wish:

"Blue Skies Forever, Gary"

Story By: Mark Kallio
With special thanks going to Don "Bucky" Dawson for providing the master recording of the press conference as well as conducting all but one of the above interviews.

Reno-Stead Airport, Nevada - The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is deeply saddened by the loss of one of it's own. Unlimited Class race pilot Gary Levitz was killed during the final race of the day yesterday. We join his fans and friends in conveying our deepest sympathies to the family and crew of the Miss Ashley Race Team. This is an unfortunate but rare occurrence that must be handled both emotionally and professionally by the Association, all the race pilots, the family and the community.

RARA is implementing a three-phase plan to address the tragedy. Our number one priority is towards the Levitz family and assisting them in any way we possibly can to handle this tragedy. Our second priority is for the residents of the neighborhood in which Racer #38 crashed. RARA will have on-site today an outreach team to assist any residents who suffered in any way. "It is our goal to provide immediate aid and assistance to any of our neighbors so that their lives may return to normal as soon as possible," said Dr. Jack Walther, Chairman of RARA.

As in any aviation incident, both the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will be conducting investigations into the mishap. The results of their findings will be released by the respective agencies. RARA will concurrently conduct its own review of the racing protocols in accordance with the highest standards of safety.

The pilots engaged in the National Championship Air Races are among the finest pilots in the world, each knowing that there is an element of risk in this motor sport. It is RARA's intent to provide as safe an environment as is possible. To that end, RARA will again review the race course design and the buffer zones associated with the National Championship Air Races.

Within the next several weeks, RARA will conduct a town hall review, inviting all residents of the adjacent neighborhoods to a briefing and discussion.