Steve Dari - Biplanes - Lemon Grove, California
Brad Morehouse - Jets - Afton, Wyoming
Gary Hubler - Formula 1 - Caldwell, Idaho
These are the first fatal accidents at the races since 2002. Our hearts and
prayers go out to the crews, friends and families of these racers.
After the qualifying was over on Tuesday, Steve Dari was out to do some test
flying in the racing biplane #3, "Rose Peregrine".
I wittnessed this crash. The aircraft rolled
down runway 8 and (to me) seemed like a long run. Once airborne the biplane
climbed slowly then coughed, sputtered, coughed again with some smoke and then
quit. The aircraft was across from the grandstands by now less than 200' agl.
With little of runway 8 left, the aircraft turned and decended. Dari impacted the
infield between runway 8 and 32.
Dari was a Reno Air Races veteran of many years.
Thursday 13 September: During the Jet race in the afternoon, Brad Morehouse flying
L-39 "Dino Juice" #4 which qualified at over 500 mph,
encountered wake turbulence just after pylon 9 in front of the pits. I was at
pylon 2 and I only saw jets pull up off the course just as it happened. Wittnesses
said that Morehouse was abruptly knocked inverted by the turbulence. Morehouse then righted
himself but descent rate was too high and the aircraft impacted the ground
after he recovered. The jet exploded
on impact and a fire ensued for a short time as emergency crews hurried to the scene.
Friday 14 September: During Formula 1 Heat 2a, #1 qualifier Gary Hubler in #95
"Mariah" and Jason Somes in "Alley Cat" #4 contacted each other. Hubler's aircraft
immediately went to the ground while Somes fought for control of #4 and set
down on the desert floor. Somes was sent to the hospital with an eye and head
injury. Somes was treated and released the following day. He returned to the
races with a bandaged eye. Hubler was killed. Two pylon judges were also
injured by falling debri. Gary Hubler, 51, was an air race veteran racing since
1984 and a former champion for the last five years at Reno.
This is a dangerous sport. Aviation has its inherent dangers that we as pilots
take on each time we strap in. But we continue to do so knowing the risks and
taking measures to fly safely. Air racing has far more dangers than cruising
around in a Cub. These pilots are trained, experienced and the best at what
they do. They knowingly accept these risks doing everything within their ability to
come back safely to earth after each take off.
The races were continued on Saturday and Sunday with safety. While we mourn the
loss of pilots and friends, they would have it no other way ... but to keep flying.