This week’s annual National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada ended tragically today, when an L-29 Super Delfin jet and its pilot crashed in a horrible accident during the Jet Gold Race.
Pilot Aaron Hogue, Race #29, did not survive. Hogue was the race’s Rookie of the Year in 2021. He was an experienced pilot of over 35 years.
Accident under investigation
“At this time we are gathering information and confirming details of the incident that happened today during the Jet Gold Race,” says the Reno Air Racing Association. “We can confirm that only one plane was involved. The National Championship Air Races has suspended all operations for the 2022 event. We will provide an update as soon as it’s available. NTSB and FAA will be investigating the incident.”
Ejection seats are disabled for the races, as a safety measure being that the planes fly so close together on the course. The theory is that an ejection could lead to additional crashes during a race. Pilots are allowed to bailout of their jet though. It’s too early to know what went wrong to cause Hogue to crash.
The Reno Air Races is the only event in the world where aircraft race around pylons at altitudes between 50 and 250 feet, just feet from each other, while reaching speeds of 500 miles per hour. Pilots must be highly experienced and pass rigorous training requirements to receive an invitation to race.
Our sincere condolences to Hogue, his family, team, friends & colleagues.
UPDATE #1:
Post by the Reno Air Races Association:
