Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

alp227

(31,962 posts)
Mon Aug 27, 2012, 06:26 PM Aug 2012

Loose screws blamed in Reno air race crash

Source: SF Chronicle

The crash of a highly modified vintage fighter plane that killed 11 people at an air race in Reno last year was caused by loose screws in the tail assembly and alterations to the aircraft that weren't adequately tested, federal investigators said Monday.

The loose screws - including one with a crack - led to a malfunction in the mechanism that control the plane's up and down movements, the National Transportation Safety Board said during a meeting in Washington, D.C.

As a result, the World War II-era P-51 Mustang piloted by Jimmy Leeward, 74, rolled sharply to the left, flew straight up and then pitched nose first onto the tarmac during the Reno National Championship Air Races on Sept. 16. Leeward and 10 spectators were killed and 60 others were hurt.

The safety board moved quickly to determine the cause of the crash and to develop safety recommendations in advance of this year's air races scheduled for next month in Reno, said board chairwoman Deborah Hersman.


Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Loose-screws-blamed-in-Reno-air-race-crash-3818582.php

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Loose screws blamed in Reno air race crash (Original Post) alp227 Aug 2012 OP
I read this as Screws looses blamed in Republican hot air race crash... Panasonic Aug 2012 #1
K&R JohnnyRingo Aug 2012 #2
Damn, 17Gs.... MicaelS Aug 2012 #3
There is a reason these were created snooper2 Aug 2012 #4
"The loose screws - including one with a crack" -- Made in a country other than the USA? AnotherMcIntosh Aug 2012 #5
Loose screws, I've had a few of those in my day. Always regret it in the morning. olddad56 Aug 2012 #6

JohnnyRingo

(18,581 posts)
2. K&R
Mon Aug 27, 2012, 06:45 PM
Aug 2012

Thanx for posting this. I likely wouldn't have seen it otherwise. That's why I come to DU, it's a clearing house for news that slips through the cracks.

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Loose screws blamed in Re...