I hate news like this, especially when it involves a friend

The remaining hours of the final Reno Air Races have been cancelled after a crash between 2 planes killed each of those planes' pilots Sunday afternoon.

Pilots Nick Macy and Chris Rushing died in what a statement from the Air Races is calling a landing accident.

Both pilots were expertly skilled and were Gold winners in the T-6 class. Macy piloted Six-Cat and Rushing flew Baron's Revenge.

Families of both pilots have been notified and support services are on site.

“I am completely devastated and heartbroken today,” said Fred Telling, Chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association and President of the T-6 Class. “These two pilots weren’t just an integral part of the National Championship Air Race family, they were a part of my family. My heart goes out to their own families and to all of the spectators and fans who have so enthusiastically supported us this week.”

In a statement, the Reno Air Racing Association says they are cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board, the FAA and all local authorities to identify the cause of the accident and ensure that pilots, spectators and volunteers have necessary support during this time.

I've been friends with Chris Rushing, who is also the President of the Condor Squadron here in Los Angeles, for the past eight years. I was flying with Chris when I took the photos I posted up here of a flight to Santa Barbara 4 years ago. One of the nicest guys you'll ever run across and one helluva pilot.

The attached photos are from a flight with the Condor Squadron on July 4, 2020. The formation shot has Chris leading. The second shot is Chris banking away for landing.

1 additional image. Click to enlarge.