NTSB team en route to investigate deadly Reno air crash
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A team of investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board was winging its way to Reno, Nev., on Saturday morning to begin the probe into the deadly crash of a vintage World War II fighter plane.
The NTSB team is expected to arrive sometime in the morning and will take over the investigation and communications with the public, Mike Draper, a spokesman for the National Championship Air Races, said Saturday morning in a telephone interview.
On Friday, a P-51 Mustang piloted by 74-year-old Jimmy Leeward, fell from the sky, heading toward spectators on the ground and in box seats. The craft hit the tarmac, sending debris that killed at least three, including Leeward, and injured more than 50 others.
On Saturday, hospitals were continuing to treat the wounded, about half of whom had been initially listed in at least serious or critical condition. None of the hospitals reported any more deaths.
The family of Leeward had originally scheduled a memorial service for Saturday, but that has been canceled, Draper said. A memorial will be held at a yet-to-be-determined time, he said.
The NTSB team is charged with determining the cause of the crash. Other officials on Saturday said that all pilots and aircraft are vetted before they are allowed to perform.
According to Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration, the Reno Air Racing Assn. examines all of the aircraft to ensure they are properly qualified and airworthy. FAA inspectors review records to ensure the inspections are carried out.
The FAA had approved the Reno races this year, but Gregor said the approval was the same as was granted for previous races.
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FULL COVERAGE: Deadly crash at Reno air show
-- Michael Muskal
