Jimmy Leeward (Galloping Ghost) And Unknown Number Of Spectators Lose Life At Reno Air Races
Friday, September 16, 2011 at 09:23PM 
Jimmy Leeward in Galloping Ghost a few minutes before the loss of control and crash
Jimmy Leeward flying the modified P-51 Galloping Ghost lost control during an Unlimited Class race at Reno Friday afternoon September 16, 2011. The aircraft climbed initially to several hundred feet and then impacted nearly straight down into an area directly in front of the grandstands that was populated by spectators. Jimmy along with an unknown number of spectators were killed, and many were injured. No definitive info is currently available as to what caused the loss of control.
Prayers go out to the injured and to friends and family of all those injured and killed. I was well away from the scene of the accident - I'm ok.
The remainder of the 2011 Reno Air Races have been cancelled. More info will be posted as it becomes available.
We won't know the true cause of this tragic event for quite a while (if ever), but here's some 1998 info that helps to better understand a very possible scenario resulting from the loss of an elevator trim tab: http://tinyurl.com/668xhf7 (caption under 5th picture)
Additional Galloping Ghost info from 2010 here, here, here and here
P-51, Racing, Reno Email Article
Reader Comments (6)
I'm terribly saddened to hear this news. I'll be praying for all involved.
Glad to hear you're safe.
Just returned from Reno and witnessed the accident firsthand from 300 ft away. The chaos and mayhem that defines an event like this was quickly and professionally brought under control by the first responders.
Martt,
So sad to hear about this. I had dreamed of going to the races since I was a teenager, and it took 25 years to make it happen in 2007. I was so excited to be there, and just happened to be watching Brad Moorehouse in his L-39 when he snaprolled and went in right in front of us.
It was devastating. It just took the life out of me for a while. In retrospect, I was a bit depressed for a few months after. Aviation is my love and passion, I fly a ton for fun, and this just completely deflated me.
This latest event is just heartbreaking and my heart goes out to you for having witnessed it. You may not realize now, but it will take some time to recover from. Been there, and this just brings it all back for me.
Aviation isn't terribly dangerous, but it is terribly unforgiving and sometimes it all happens in a few seconds. Stay strong, email if you want to talk about it.
Bill
Yes, what a horrible tragedy. My prayers go out to all who have been affected by it.
I ran across a remarkable photo of Galloping Ghost on her back immediately before the final dive. It backs the trim tab theory, as it appears to be missing on the left elevator.
http://www.litigationandtrial.com/files/2011/09/reno-crash_trim-tab_tim-obrien_large.jpg
It sure seems that the trim tab had a lot to do with the crash.
http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Trim_Tab_Missing_Crash_Plane_205385-1.html
Even if it wasn't the cause of the crash, it made it more difficult for the pilot to control the plane.
Ops... didn't realize Michael posted the same picture before.
Sorry for the double post.