Aviation Accident Investigation

On September 17, 2011, the NTSB launched a go-team to investigate the crash of a vintage P-51D Mustang aircraft at the Reno Air Races in Reno, NV.

Howard Plagens will serve as the Investigator-in-Charge of the team. NTSB Board Member Mark Rosekind is accompanying the team and will serve as the principal spokesman during the on-scene phase of the investigation.

Accident Docket

• Docket

Reports

• Preliminary Report (9/23/2011)
• Abstract (8/27/2012)

Safety Recommendation Letters

• A-12-009-012
• A-12-013-017
• A-12-008

Event

• Hearing on Air Race and Air Show Safety

Photos

• Photo Gallery

Video

• Member Rosekind announces the launch of the investigation (September 16, 2011)
• NTSB Press Briefing (September 17, 2011)
• NTSB Press Briefing (September 17, 2011)
• NTSB Press Briefing (September 18, 2011)
• Chairman Hersman addresses media at the NTSB air race air show public hearing (January 11,2012)
• Chairman Hersman announces Reno Air Races safety recommendations (April 10,2012)

Press Releases

• NTSB launches team to investigate aviation accident in Reno, NV (September 17, 2011)
• NTSB Provides Investigative Update and Issues Recommendations to Increase Safety at Air Races (April 10, 2012)
• NTSB Opens Docket on Reno Air Race Crash (August 21, 2012)
• NTSB to Meet on 2011 Reno Air Race Accident (August 23, 2012)
• Deteriorated Parts Allowed Flutter Which Led to Fatal Crash at 2011 Reno Air Races (August 27, 2012)

Media Contact: Terry Williams, 202-557-1350 (cell), 202-314-6100 (NTSB HQ)