One Killed in Plane Crash at National Championship of Air Races in Nevada
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iStockphoto/Thinkstock(RENO, Nev.) — The National Championship of Air Races in Reno was halted early on Monday after a fatal plane crash.
A statement from National Championship Air Races identified the pilot of the plane as Lee Behel, 64. Behel was flying a GP-5 at the time of the crash, which Mike Draper, a spokesperson for National Championship Air Races called a result of “a mechanical error.”
The crash was a single-plane accident and no other pilots or spectators were injured.
The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to investigate the crash. National Championship Air Races said all planes would continue to be inspected prior to a return to the race course — a standard procedure.
Mike Major, chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association called Behel “a very talented pilot” and “an enthusiastic and compassionate friend.”
“This is a difficult day for all of us and our thoughts and prayers are with Lee’s family and friends,” Major said. “The entire Air Race family will miss him deeply.”
Qualification for the event will resume at 8 a.m. on Tuesday and the event officially kicks off on Wednesday.
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