On September 13, 2007, at 1445 Pacific daylight time, an Aero Vodochody L-39C, N139DK, collided with terrain while participating in the Reno Air Races at Reno-Stead Airport, Reno, Nevada. The pilot was operating the privately owned airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries; the airplane was destroyed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane departed Reno-Stead about 1410.

According to a witness, as the airplane rounded pylon 8 it was banked to the left. The airplane then rolled to the right and impacted the ground at a high speed.

An additional witness reported that the accident airplane was following another airplane. As the airplanes rounded the pylon, the accident airplane was lower. The accident airplane then appeared to roll inverted and impacted the ground moments later.

NTSB Identification: SEA07FA263
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, September 13, 2007 in Reno, NV
Aircraft: Aero Vodochody L-39C, registration: N139DK
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.