On September 14, 2007, at 1000 Pacific daylight time, a Tuttle Cassutt IIIM, N11XR, and a Deluca-Owl OR-71, N1VD, collided in midair while racing at the Reno Air Races, Reno-Stead Airport, Reno, Nevada. Both pilots were operating their airplanes under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. N11XR was destroyed, and the pilot sustained fatal injuries. N1VD was substantially damaged, and the pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplanes departed from Reno-Stead about 0955. Three people on the ground sustained minor injuries.

According to race personnel standing at pylon 1, the race had begun and the two aircraft were leading the group. As they entered a turn for the first pylon, the airplanes collided. Following the impact, N11XR impacted the ground. N1VD gained altitude and the pilot performed an emergency landing on the right side of runway 14.

 

NTSB Identification: SEA07FA264B
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, September 14, 2007 in Reno, NV
Aircraft: Tuttle Cassutt IIIM, registration: N11XR

Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious, 3 Minor. 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.