NTSB Publishes Final Report on Reno Midair Collision 

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on the fatal midair collision between two North American T-6 aircraft during the 2023 Reno Air Races. The report determined both pilots failed to see and avoid each other while entering the traffic pattern for Reno-Stead Airport. Contributing factors included deviations from standard base and downwind legs.

According to the NTSB, Race 14, a North American AT-6B, and Race 6, a North American T-6G, had completed the race course and were maneuvering for Runway 8 when the collision occurred. Witnesses described Race 14 flying a wider base leg while Race 6 flew a tighter downwind.

“The wider pattern flown by Race 14, and the tighter pattern flown by Race 6, placed Race 14 to the right of Race 6’s flight path,” inves