Another tragedy involving warbirds

[dhermann1]

At least 3 people were killed today at the Reno Air Races when a P-51, piloted by an 80 year old pilot, crashed into the stands. Now I know that 80 year old pilots are as good as anybody out there, but this still really bugs me. These kinds of events just always worry me.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2011/09/16/us/AP-US-Air-Show-Crash.html?_r=1&hp

 

[PoohBang]

I think he was 74.... not that much off...

 

[bil_maxx]

At least 3 people were killed today at the Reno Air Races when a P-51, piloted by an 80 year old pilot, crashed into the stands. Now I know that 80 year old pilots are as good as anybody out there, but this still really bugs me. These kinds of events just always worry me.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2011/09/16/us/AP-US-Air-Show-Crash.html?_r=1&hp

Me too. I always get nervous watching them on the TV. They are so close to the ground or skimming water and really close to the crowd. I hate to say it, but this was a tragedy waiting to happen. The way they weave in and out of pylons with a plane looks really cool but gives no room for error for the pilot.

Here in Toronto, the annual air show has always been held over Lake Ontario for safely reasons. Once the manoevers are done and the planes are under control, then of course they fly back on land to an airport. Good thing too as there was a bomber crash in 1995 in that show. The plane went into the water with 7 fatalities.