'It was like a bomb went off': Three killed and 50 injured at U.S. air race as World War II fighter plane crashes into spectators

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Last moments: The dramatic final seconds as the out-of-control P-51 Mustang crashes into the crowd at the air show in Reno, Nevada

A vintage World War II fighter plane flown by a veteran Hollywood stunt pilot plunged into spectators during an air race killing three people and injuring more than 50 spectators.

The P-51 Mustang, flown by 74-year-old Jimmy Leeward, spiralled out of control without warning and disintegrated on impact as it nosedived into a VIP area.

Bloodied bodies were spread near the grandstand as other spectators tended to the victims and ambulances rushed to the scene at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada.


Horrific: The vintage plane crashes into the edge of the grandstand killing three people, including the veteran pilot and injuring more than 50 spectators


Terror: The plane explodes on impact blasting debris through the air as spectators duck for cover

The cause of yesterday's crash, in front of an estimated 75,000 spectators at 4.30pm local time (12.30am today BST), was not immediately known. But an event official said there were indications mechanical problems were involved.

Maureen Higgins of Alabama, who has been coming to the show for 16 years, said the pilot was on his third lap when he lost control.


Panic: Some spectators crouch down while others watch as smoke drifts from the crash site where the plane plunged close to the grandstand

She was sitting about 30yds away from the crash and watched in horror as the man in front of her started bleeding after a piece of debris hit him in the head.

'I saw body parts and gore like you wouldn't believe it. I'm talking an arm, a leg,' Ms Higgins said. ' I am not kidding you. It was gore. Unbelievable gore.'

Mr Leeward from Ocala, Florida, who flew the P-51 Mustang named the Galloping Ghost, was a well-known racing pilot. He had flown more than 120 races and was a stunt pilot for numerous movies, including Amelia and Cloud Dancer


Out of control: The P-51 Mustang airplane is shown just before crashing at the Reno Air show

Mr Linville said that after the plane went straight up, it barrel rolled and inverted downward, crashing into an area where at least 20 people were sitting.

'If he hadn't have pulled up, he would have taken out the entire bleacher section and hurt thousands of people,' he added.

He described how the plane shattered like an 'enormous water balloon', sending shrapnel and debris into the crowd. 'It was just flying everywhere,' he said.


Disaster: The vintage plane, circled, is watched by spectators just moments before it plunges into the ground


Disintegration: The World War 11 planes crashes as shocked air race fans watch in disbelief


Nosedive: The P-51 Mustang airplane is shown right before crashing into the grandstand


The P-51 Mustang crashed into a VIP box-seat area in front of the grandstand. Mike Houghton, president and CEO of Reno Air Races said Mr Leeward appeared to have 'lost control of the aircraft.'

There appeared to be a 'problem with the aircraft that caused it to go out of control,' he told a news conference. Witnesses claims they heard a popping sound moments before the plane started to nosedive.


Remains: Debris from the plane that crashed at the Reno Air Races is scattered in front of the grandstand at the Stead Airport

Tim Linville, 48, from Reno, said the pilot appeared to lose partial control off the plane when he veered off course and flew near where he was standing with his two daughters.

He said: 'I told the girls to run and the pilot pulled the plane straight up, but he couldn't do anything else with it. That's when it nosedived right into the box seats.'


Destruction: The plane plunged into the stands at the event in what an official described as a 'mass casualty situation'

KRNV-TV weatherman Jeff Martinez, who was just outside the air race grounds at the time, said the plane veered to the right and then 'it just augured straight into the ground.'

'You saw pieces and parts going everywhere,' he said. 'Everyone is in disbelief.'


Emergency: Medics help the injured out of a rescue helicopter into Renown Medical Center


Rush: Medics quickly wheel an injured victim into the Medical Center. He was one of more than 50 injured

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source: dailymail