NTSB: Plane topped limits in 2011 Reno race

[brad kaste]

http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/ntsb-plane-topped-limits-1507230.html

[fsxar177]

Certainly in hind-sight, there are things that could have been different. Surely things that could have been corrected, before giving this 'stang it's head. But Jimmy was a dare-devil, he thrived on taking the next challenge. He had put too much time and $$$ into racing the Ghost, and he couldn't wait to do it! Can't blame him for that! The unfortunate events that took place in regards to that decision cannot be erased. But I believe the lessons learned from the accident will save lives in the future of air racing, and Motorsports in general. Live has a way of dealing us a bad hand once in awhile. It's making the best of the good hands, that brings home the chips.

Blue skies Jimmy!

Long live the Air races..

"For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings..." - Jer. 48:40

Joseph

[aircav1970]

Sadly,it was one of my friends that was killed on the ground when the Mustang hit,Bill Wogan was handicapped and in a wheelchair in the VIP section and was killed instantly,he was a member at FlightSim.com,his user ID was "Pilatus96",he has been missed....

[glh]

An excerpt from a local paper:

..." According to the NTSB final report, in addition to cutting 15 years from his own age, Leeward failed to report to the Federal Aviation Administration all the modifications that had been made to his 65-year-old aircraft. He also didn't provide documentation showing they had been tested.


NTSB investigator Clinton Crookshanks said cutting several feet off the aircraft wingspan and other modifications reduced weight and wind resistance. They also weakened the frame and made the aircraft more unstable.


Crookshanks said the aircraft's high speed and loose screws led to "flutter" and vibration on the crucial tail control that made the plane unstable as it rounded a pylon toward the main grandstand.


As the plane pitched vertically, Leeward had perhaps one second to respond. Investigators said he was probably rendered unconscious by gravitational forces reaching 17 times normal — and far exceeding the levels of human tolerance. "...

Read it here if you want:

http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2012/aug/27/feds-blame-ocala-pilot-plane-modifications-for-ren-ar-475580/
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Sorry but this guy was a damn fool who got what he deserved. Unfortunately, his lack of judgement and respect for the rules of safety took 10 other individuals with him and injured approximately 70 others.

[fsxar177]

Sorry but this guy was a damn fool who got what he deserved. Unfortunately, his lack of judgement and respect for the rules of safety took 10 other individuals with him and injured approximately 70 others.

Having known Mr. Leeward personally, I hardly find him a fool. First of all, on his entries, where he wrote "59", instead of his actual age, was merely a joke...he wasn't deceiving anybody! (as In, every year he turns 59!) Everyone on the air race scene, as well as RARA staff knew about Jimmy's often played practical jokes. He had been around the races ever since it's start. His sarcastic nature is part of what made him. He had a great personality.

Hardly any rules were broken by Mr. Leeward. Otherwise RARA wouldn't have let him compete.

Accidents happen. I've spoke with Mr. Wogan's younger brother. (also in a wheelchair), and he has nothing ill to say of the Races, or Jimmy. He was present when Bill was killed, and his father lost an eye. They, of anyone, would understand the tragedy of the situation.

Joseph

[rhumbaflappy]

"His sarcastic nature" killed a bunch of people. Fool is putting it mildly.

Dick

[oakfloor]

"Sorry but this guy was a damn fool who got what he deserved. Unfortunately, his lack of judgement and respect for the rules of safety took 10 other individuals with him and injured approximately 70 others." Absolute hogwash..

[pfflyers]

Back when this happened we had a thread here about it. Most folks then thought the accident resulted from a failure of the elevator trim tab. I wonder if the final report will support that theory.

[oakfloor]

The elevatror trim tab blew off, causing a very high "G" pull up, the photos show it coming off in one frame, and gone in the next frame. He could have hit propwash coming off another A/C, that could have caused a over stress due to the fact they use down elevator at high power settings. This happing to Bob Hanna years back. Just to set the record straight, MR. Leeward was a experinced and high time '51 pilot and in no way set out to kill anyone, they push the envelope because thats how they win. I have been to the Reno air races many times and would have like to get a seat out on the apron, but never could get tickets. For airplane enthusiasts there is nothing like the air races, and well worth the risk.

.