NTSB Makes Air Races Recommendations

by MICHAEL HAGERTY - April 10, 2012

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NTSB Makes Air Races Recommendations

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Image Courtesy: Marilyn Newton/RGJ

NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman addresses reporters.

The NTSB still hasn't ruled what caused Jimmy Leeward's modified P-51 Mustang fighter plane to lose control and crash into spectators, killing 10 and injuring dozens more.

But to improve safety at the event, NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman recommends changes in the race course's design, further training for pilots to handle extreme G-forces, better tracking of the many speed-enhancements made on the planes, and mandating pilots test their aircraft at full speed on the actual course prior to competition.

The NTSB also confirmed spectators were farther back from the race course than the 500 feet the Federal Aviation Administration requires.

KUNR's Michael Hagerty has more.