September 17, 2011 - According to reports a Reno Nevada air show turned deadly, when a World War II era fighter plane crashed, killing three people and injuring over 50 other spectators, with flying debris from the plane.

According to officials of the National Championship Air Race, it is believed that a mechanical failure is what caused the P-51 Mustang named and piloted by Jimmy Leeward the Galloping Ghost to crash.

According to Air Races President Mike Houghton the plan was on course, prior to the malfunction, though there have been people reporting to have seen different things.

Authorities have stated that three people were killed during the crash including the pilot 74 year old Jimmy Leeward, a real estate developer from Ocala Florida. There were over 56 people injured and transported to local hospitals, with 15 being listed in critical condition and 13 listed in serious condition.

Authorities have also stated the number of injuries could increase with some people having left in their own vehicles, rather than being transported by ambulance to area hospitals.

According to eyewitness Gerald Lent, the plan pulled straight up and then did an upside down roll, coming straight downward toward the grandstand. Lent said, it appeared that there was no one flying the plane.

According to Ben Cissell, the plane crashed approximately 100 feet from where he was seated, but believes that Leeward pulled the plane up, which saved between 200 and 300 spectators from being injured or killed.

Spectator Kim Fonda says that Leeward was a hero for pulling the plane up at the last minute, causing it to crash about 25 feet from where people were seated. Renown Medical Center stated they received 27 patients and 12 have been listed in critical condition, two patients, a man and woman have died.

St. Mary’s Hospital has stated it received 25 patients, but the spokesman did not release the patient’s conditions. The aviation accident attorneys at Ehline Law Firm PC injury lawyer, are monitoring the airplane crash at 633 West Fifth Street, 28th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071. 213.596.9642. http://www.ehlinelaw.com/

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