Aircraft crash at Reno Air Races September 16, 2011 (HD)

[photopicker]

all I can think of (aside from prayers for the fallen) is what it must have been like on deck in the pacific with kamikaze and pearl harbor ...

[PACOENELMAR1]

YESSSSS BEUTIFUL!!!

[MalcolmXcrement]

Yes it's sad about the loss of life and injury but I have a hard time feeling as sorry for these people as I would if it happened in an auto accident, riding down a public road. How fucking safe do you think you are, when there's planes flying above your head at low altitude at 500MPH? I'd have the same sympathy for a person playing Russian roulette! It's amazing it took this long for this to happen! I have no problem with these races. Just don't start pointing fingers when something goes wrong!

[MalcolmXcrement]

Here's what I know....If anyone should even care! From opinions of other pilots that has seen this accident....They think it's more pilot error than anything else. They think he over reacted, when what was probably damage to the trim tabs. He pulled up to fast, in reaction, which put the plane in a stall. If he didn't pull up so hard, he could have kept control of the plane and safely landed. I don't know if you can contribute this to age. It sure wasn't lack of reaction!

[gkstone]

@MalcolmXcrement I too, don't believe that his age was a factor; if he had any indications of health problems, his required FAA medical screenings would likely have picked it up. That's not a guarantee, but as pilots age and exercise a higher level of flying privileges, the tests are more frequent and detailed. (It wouldn't surprise me if the race management required more than the basic pilot medical certificate.)

[gkstone]

@MalcolmXcrement But I also don't believe that he stalled the aircraft. One of the first maneuvers taught to student pilots is how to recover from a stall, and none of the videos show any characteristics of an aircraft in a stall.

[beeroosterm]

@AStandsForFrench Everybody hates the French, so yes - I'm being redundant, if anything. And there is no way of knowing at this point if his age was a factor in the crash; I say yes. I'm guessing you're either an old fart and/or a pilot or are in some way connected with aircraft. That someone who is 74 years cannot be questioned on their ability to pilot an airplane only highlights your political correctness. The question is a valid.

[AStandsForFrench]

@beeroosterm Huh, and here I thought everyone hated Americans. Oh wait, most everyone DO hate Americans!

Political correctness has nothing to do with it. Guy was extremely experienced, there is evidence of catastrophic mechanical failure yet no evidence of medical problems immediately prior. That someone who is 74 years must be questioned on everything they do even after inspection by the FAA shows your complete lack of tact, you stupid twat. You are not questioning. You are stating, fool.

[beeroosterm]

@AStandsForFrench Yes, I state that everyone hates the French. I'm certain I'll get no argument from anyone there. The guy was an old fart - I don't care if he was Jack fucking LaLanne - and shouldn't have been racing planes at 74. My grandfather could drive a 200 mph Formula 1 car, but would you trust him to have what it takes to be the best? Would you trust his physical fitness? Leeward was a stuntman who thought he was indestructible, and like many in the profession was killed...

[AStandsForFrench]

@beeroosterm Oh? Where did Leeward proclaim his invulnerability? Or are you just saying he did to lend a leg to your argument? It ain't working, retard. You are arguing off your imagination, proving what a retard you are. Welp, I'm done arguing with you, fool. Your argument is flimsy and based solely off "old people lol". You must be quite young to assume old people are incapable of anything.

[beeroosterm]

@AStandsForFrench YOU are proclaiming his invulnerability - by stating outright that his age has nothing to do with anything in this event. And he was doing so as well merely by competing in this event at such an advanced age. There are reasons airline pilots are forced to retire by a certain age, and those reasons are especially germane to racing pilots. Get over yourself, Frenchy - now go eat some stinky cheese while loudly proclaiming your cultural superiority...

[AStandsForFrench]

@beeroosterm This is literally a neener neener boo boo argument because you are too pathetically stupid to do anything but say NO JOHN YOU ARE THE LIAR.

And then Beeroosterm was a zombie.

[beeroosterm]

@AStandsForFrench i believe I've very carefully elucidated my arguments for all to see. What's pathetic is your desire to continue in light of your poor performance. I consider your resort to the ad hominem a victory, since you fail to address my argument. Mangez de la merde et mourir, Frenchy. Comment est-ce fromage pourri?

[AStandsForFrench]

@beeroosterm I literally could not care less, you have outed yourself as a filthy frenchman, fly on home you cheese-eating wine-drinking surrender monkey!

[beeroosterm]

@AStandsForFrench Don't need to "argue with a 12 year old.

[MalcolmXcrement]

@AStandsForFrench I'll put my problems with the French aside, for now.

As for the pilots age. I do agree with you. There is no proof his age was a factor. However! The damage to the trim tabs would not cause the plane to crash. He over reacted to the situation, by pulling up too fast, putting the plan in a stall. He could have safely landed his plane, if he didn't panic. I don't see age as a factor here. An over reaction can happen at any age. Even more likely in the young and inexperienced!

[TheCraig0698]

@MalcolmXcremen

Bullshit, Dont sit on your ass and monday morning quaterback the crash. You dont have a clue as to why the crash happened. And just a little fact for you. He very well could have lost complete control of the aircraft because of the trim tab. Ever heard of Flutter?? yeah..might want to read about it before making outlandish comments about something you have no clue about..

[nopushbutton]

@yrohedrymle Because it yanks the pilot out of the plane with it, shortly before he gets flattened on the tarmac.

Ughgh, this is horrible. Why do I keep watching videos of it

[AStandsForFrench]

I.E. it was a mechanical problem that caused a significant amount of sudden G-forces that did, most likely, cause the pilot to black out.

But really, you thinking an 80 year old is incapable of flying shows just how much of an ignorant armchair general you really are.

[Snoozleberg]

lol, that red and white thing was not a parachute, even because no paramedics went to where it fell.

[racenuke]

Thank God the plane didn't land on the crowd!

[Zodi77]

Horrible image of that parachute opening at 0:05.

[MrMorristoday]

Some of these comments disgust me. Grow up little children and show at least an ounce of respect.

[usernameshortage]

@MrMorristoday KABOOOOOOOOOM

[Tim733733]

@GurkanOwns If you think for a second, and show some respect, you might realize that such an impact means you won't see "a pilot" as you may be imagining. Sadly, it would only be part of his remains, such as a torso. It has to be noted that he wouldn't of felt anything as a result. RIP all involved.

[tedted777]

@TonyTwoToes6669

yes you can see the red parachute. well spotted.

[tedted777]

I am loving the guy in the black shirt in front of the 2 guys with red t-shirts.

while debris is still flying, he is throwing the ticket away saying...."bullcrap...call that a crash!, i'm off home right now to watch my nascar crashes video...and to think i paid good money for this...i've seen enough....."

LOL !

[tealmarlin]

That was crazy

[exlHD]

@TonyTwoToes6669 Never mind i see him

[exlHD]

@TonyTwoToes6669 Where is the pilot? I don't see him

[melanio8]

Wow...Ive seen several angles of this but this is by far the clearest and steadiest ive seen. Nice post

[Lifesucksdie123]

bummer.



[hhhhhhhqqqqqqqii]

this is hilarious. best video on youtube

[datzfast]

@hhhhhhhqqqqqqqii oh come on how is this funny,

[artpenjr]

This video proves guys in plaid shirts will ALWAYS jump in front of video recorders!

[tHePyROpiGeOn]

there was NO parachute deployment or even ejection in this crash. The pilot stayed with his aircraft and attempted to minimize the damage until the end, if he was going to eject he would have done it as soon as he was having problems. Airshow pilots, especially experienced ones like Mr. Leeward, ALWAYS think about the crowd first.

[mjbab73]

@tHePyROpiGeOn Look carefully. (Preferably in HD, the bigger the screen the better).  As the shrapnel and debree bounce to the right of the screen, you'll see Jimmy land w/a semi-open chute in front the pick-up trucks (between the left two) at :05. His reserve must of deployed from the impact.

[tHePyROpiGeOn]

@mjbab73 ah, ok, yes, thank you for your detailed, respectful reply pointing out my error. I had only watched it small screen, 360p before. I appreciate your reply, unlike the other one with no attempt to actually point it out, just childlike name-calling. Also, I agree with your assessment that the chute opened from impact.

[mjbab73]

@tHePyROpiGeOn No prob.. Ur very welcome! Keep in mind that nowadays many ppl commenting on YT, etc. are "trolls"...They're only looking to argue (To feel they've 'won' and/or entertain themselves) rather than debate or inform or importantly, learn. Let us all remember this tragedy and the many others with less or more loss of life, learn, and PLEASE; Give blood if you are able...Wherever you are and for whatever motive. Peace, tHePyROpiGeOn & all :)X

[mjbab73]

@tHePyROpiGeOn No prob.. Ur very welcome! Keep in mind that nowadays many ppl commenting on YT, etc. are "trolls"...They're only looking to argue (To feel they've 'won' and/or entertain themselves) rather than debate or inform or importantly, learn. Let us all remember this tragedy and the many others with less or more loss of life, learn, and PLEASE; Give blood if you are able...Wherever you are and for whatever motive. Peace :)X

[Waissfooder]

@adaml99a at least what is left of him

[kazodrummer]

that plane hit so hard there wasnt any fire. thats how hard it it. incredible.

[Boredwiththis2]

a plane crashed , its what you wanted isnt it people!!!

[m015094]

@Boredwiththis2 Ha...the REAL reason people go to airshows.

[RRKeith]

This is sickening

[dhart29]

Look at that guy in the black shirt near the camera near the front almost..hes like ahhh this show suckss..

[DidHeDied]

There are some close-up pictures of the impact site. It shows pieces of meat and body parts splattered all over the chairs and equipment.

[jayxunned]

plane crashed into the stands killing at least a dozen people and injuring more than 30. Preliminary reports indicate that the pilot was 80-year-old Jimmy Leeward

[ncatina]

@Tampaslice I thought the same thing, too. It is a very sad scene.

[Kimchoc]

That 5d is an excellent camera isnt it? I shoot with a friend that has one.. stunning results.. too bad on this one though...

[dannydel61]

Old men and old aircraft. Sad and avoidable.

[Wotenkeld]

How much of that is debris and how much is people and limbs?

[Phoaenix]

@Wotenkeld It's all debris, now.

[Frittrich]

booooooooooom

[josh4380]

Jesus christ this is sad! You can see the pilots seat and parachute deploy once on the ground! Heart goes out to his family and friends :( Rip.

[denshaotoko89]

anyone got decent pics of the aftermath?

[TheBlitz1]

@adaml99a no you can't

[brucepaluzzi]

So sad....the pilot didnt have time to do much either it appears the elevator was broke in a partially-UP possition which would have made the possitive G-Force such that it was probably impossible to get out even if he had time.  The whole thing happened pretty fast.

[Stevenwinrar]

Damn the guy in the plaid shirt! I was trying to see what happened!

[justinshafer817]

So the pilot could have deployed the chute when the mechanical failure first started but didnt because of the risk the plane could hit the crowd?

[TheBlitz1]

@justinshafer817 no way, he was way too close to the ground to do anything

[ukipwarrior]

:-( RIP oracle of the skies 

[TeeKhalifa]

best footage ive seen of the crash..

[JensDhondtVEVO]

omg that's impressive!!

[Unitor677]

nice

[verty87]

Ban them all

[tyhq]

@glendowner Before saying that "idiot" word, consider this; I am not trying to satisfy my ego like you by saying "people died". People died master idiot. We know that. While you are reading this 1000 people died in the world... Wake up and get to know about the world not just the cubicle that you are in. I just discussed something. Because of people like you; I love laughing to your kid brain.

[Boredwiththis2]

thres are 342344244243 times more cars on the road than there are airplanes in the sky so yeah there would be more car crashes i think.

[108Dax]

at least the fuel didnt ignite too.

[108Dax]

the ambulances are at least right there. that liklye saved about 10 lives.

[pointlessmunky]

This really freaks me out, because yesterday I was standing not 50 feet away from where that plane hit, I am so thankful to be alive and my heart goes out to those hurt and killed, and their families.

[sherriffnoldie]

Was that the parachute in red and white?

[iNvRG]

@sherriffnoldie Yea and it looks like half a body attached

[sherriffnoldie]

It's a good day to hug a friend and call your mom.

[urbeautifuleyes]

this is one of the clearest video so far, the rest of the recording moved away when the place crashes

[10171981]

HHHHHOLY SMOKES!!!!!!!

[BFKate]

Life snuffed out in the blink of an eye. Faster even. Its so fragile and it takes an event like this to remind us of the fact.

[TheBlitz1]

@BFKate dude your getting in a hollow metal tube with a giant engine made in 1944, its not that improbable

[childsca]

@TheBlitz1

If you think about it, any aircraft in the sky is the same way.

[nulife022]

Been to the Reno Air Races in Stead six times and loved it. As the locals know, its not just races, it stunt flying, the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds, historic planes, military planes on display. This will probably be the last one - a sad end for a great tradition in Reno. As expected, the rescue people in Reno are the best. Sympathy and prayers. Now we just have Hot August Nights and the Balloon Races.

[jefreno666]

I am watching this from Afghanistan, it's sad to see this stuff happen back at home, not to mention what just happened in Carson. My heart goes out to those who have died.

[justinshafer817]

Holy krap



[LitlMiraclePupnPony]

God Bless these people and their families and all who had to see such horror. How many air show crashes does it take and fatalities does it take for them to back these races off AWAY from crowds??? :( If you really want to see...have it on a TV tron or bring binoculars. Such a shame.

[HerrLebek]

In still photos (on the web) you don't see the head of the pilot. He came down at full throttle, indicating he was not aware of what was going on. Someone said he lost a trim flap. I guess he either suffered a medical emergency like a stroke, or the g-forces of the unexpected sharp climb rendered him unconscious. I love flying, I love air races, I respect Leeward, still, at 74 one should be a spectator rather, than a racer - regardless of what the actual cause of the accident was.

[400billionsuns]

@HerrLebek I think you are correct. The trim tab is not gone, it just looks that way in the photo because of direct sunlight reflecting off of it. There is one picture of the plane as it went inverted at the top of the loop, and Jimmy's helmet is slumped far into the front of the cockpit--not where a conscious person's head would be. Like you said, it looks like he either passed out from pulling too many g's or maybe had a medical problem before the mayday climb.

[beeroosterm]

@HerrLebek Agree. 74 is far too old for this type of activity. 

[AStandsForFrench]

@beeroosterm Cool, you know next to nothing about aviation! Thanks for letting us know!

[beeroosterm]

@AStandsForFrench Really? Then please kindly inform me at what age someone is too old to race aircraft at 500 mph while pulling 3.5 g's. It is painfully obvious that one of two events occurred: He had a medical event which incapacitated him and caused a loss of control, or he had a mechanical problem which caused a violent pitch-up, which then caused a loss of consciousness that probably wouldn't have occurred with someone younger. Either way, his age was a factor. Your hypothesis, doctor?

[AStandsForFrench]

@beeroosterm If you'd been keeping up on the news about it, you'd know that it suffered a similar complication to another racing Mustang, except that one shot UP into the air 9000 feet causing the pilot to black out and he managed to regain control after regaining consciousness, while this one was unfortunate and wound up going the opposite direction.

[beeroosterm]

@AStandsForFrench There have been no reports citing your claim of a similar complication - it's only been a few days since the crash. The FAA and NTSB will not draw any conclusions regarding this crash for a long time, so your claim is impossible. Until such time as there are published conclusions based upon the NTSB investigation, your hypothesis is unprovable. That said, it appears you agree with me. Racing is dangerous - and it's a young man's sport. This man was too old. Was.

[AStandsForFrench]

@beeroosterm No you stupid fucking idiot, I am not agreeing with you. And there is now video, probably multiple videos at this point, showing a part of the tail coming off immediately before the deadly loop. So it was a catastrophic mechanical failure in a plane designed to push the envelope, not a pilot error. And I was saying this exact thing happened to another Mustang, the Voodoo, who lost control UPWARDS, instead of down, thus surviving.

[beeroosterm]

@AStandsForFrench Here is the quote from my earlier response: "It is painfully obvious that one of two events occurred: He had a medical event which incapacitated him and caused a loss of control, or he had a mechanical problem which caused a violent pitch-up, which then caused a loss of consciousness..." OK, he had a mechanical problem that (probably) caused a LOC. What part do you disagree with? I think "A" stands for asshole, which you most certainly are.

[beeroosterm]

@AStandsForFrench Here is the quote from my earlier response: "It is painfully obvious that one of two events occurred: He had a medical event which incapacitated him and caused a loss of control, or he had a mechanical problem which caused a violent pitch-up, which then caused a loss of consciousness". OK, he had a mechanical problem that (probably) caused a LOC. What part do you disagree with? I think "A" stands for asshole, which you most certainly are.

[AStandsForFrench]

@beeroosterm Ah yes, that's right, I do not agree with you. Because immediately following that part, you said "Either way, age was a factor". Age really had nothing to do with it, the pilot of the Voodoo was much younger than this man and the same exact thing happened to him.

[AStandsForFrench]

Specifically, the trim tab came off, which is shown in numerous pictures and videos, and immediately led into the catastrophe.

But it's okay, continue thinking you're right and know a single goddamn thing(hint: you don't)

[wideangle852]

Clearly seen on other footage the pilot was attempting a high G manouveur over the crowd . . he was in his 80's . . say no more . . when and where you die you don't know but at least let it not be by an old man passing out in a bloody plane!

[Caius13]

@wideangle852 You are incorrect. The aircraft are away from the crowds when they are racing. From what I've been told this pilot followed SOP for a mayday and pulled up out of the race where it seems he lost full control of the aircraft and it did a half loop at least, then hit the ground. Plus, pilots for these aircraft have to go through yearly rigorous physical exams in order to be qualified to fly, which he was.

[beeroosterm]

@Caius13 Actually, the physical exams are not "vigorous". It's a regular exam.

[donnaromana1]

the anouncers did very well at staying carm and trying to get everyone to stay where they were. hats of to them , must not have been easy to stay carm when things like this happen

[Boredwiththis2]

aircraft performing dangerous maneuvers in front of and above large crowds is a horrible idea. you are all stupid , that is all.

[Caius13]

@Boredwiththis2 Considering the fact that in terms of attendance, airshows are second highest in the world behind soccer, I doubt that you'll find many people who will support you.

[tyhq]

@Caius13 " airshows are second highest in the world behind soccer" ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I don't see more than 5 thousand people there... One soccer match gets 50k people...

[Caius13]

@tyhq Well actually, most of the larger airshows, i.e. Paris, Oshkosh, etc... generally draw well over half a million people.

[tyhq]

@Caius13 Yes once in a year...

[Caius13]

@tyhq In America alone, there is roughly 400 air shows a year. These 400 air shows draw 26 million spectators. That's an average of 65,000 people per show. And that's just one country. So you'd need 520 soccer games to account for just one country's shows.

[Boredwiththis2]

well one things for certain in this life , i wont die at an airshow. thats it all.

[400billionsuns]

@Boredwiththis2 Are you looking for some sort of congratulations? Guess what, you'll still die. And odds are good it will be from some sort of unexpected event, be it an accident, cancer, who knows. Now please go and punch yourself in the head for me.

[mjbab73]

@Boredwiththis2 Doesn't mean you won't die by way of an airplane falling from the sky and landing on you...There are thousands in the air just in the U.S. at any given time.

[400billionsuns]

Boredwiththis2, you can go fall off a cliff. Regarding the video... ugh. You can see a parachute start to unfurl at the right of the debris cloud. That is almost certainly the pilot, hitting the ground with such force that he was bounced upward and his emergency chute deployed itself. Very sad that this happened, and the Galloping Ghost was one of my favorite planes. To Jimmy and the fallen spectators, may you all rest in peace.

[tsutfin67]

You're more likely do die in a car crash that you are at an air show. Stop being a reactionary. People like you would have paper banned because of paper cuts. Get real. We should be paying attention to the people in need at this moment.

[onetaster]

Among the debris, this video appears to show the pilot /w red and white parachute and what looks like other human beings thrown through the air. Gruesome.

[je3891]

@Boredwiththis2 get out of here man. did you take time out of your day to torment those who were injured or killed? when a loved one of your own dies would you find comfort in having someones unnecessary and unwarranted comments such as this to look at?

[AmericasTopRifle]

So sad

[ChickenConPolloHD]

Wow, havn't seen this angle. Man this is just terrible, can't imagine what everyone who witnessed this has been thinking. Hope the familys that lost loved one on this day could get through this. R.I.P

[jesuszepeda2]

that sucks! hopefully everyone gets through it alright...

[DoTheNeedful]

Wow. Just wow..

[jingypsea]

VERY SAD EVENT RIP TO ALL THAT WERE KILLED

[hartterc]

All I can say is Holly Crap! That was insane. I was supposed to be there today with my parents. Just about made me throw up. I feel sorry for everyone who had to witness this tragedy.

[audiotodd]

That's inappropriate man. He was a very capable pilot. He and several others died. Have some class.

Tragic. Friends of my family knew the pilot personally.

[mrbubetube]

WOW, the emergency vehicles themselves nearly got whacked! The other videos don't show this.