Initially I had planned to not write a post about the tragedy in Reno. I felt like there was enough noise out there from the mainstream media and other outlets. I didn’t really think there was anything that I could say that would add anything. Also, before you get too far, I’m not going to post videos of the crash or toss about my opinion on what happened. If that is what you are after, this is not the post for you. I can recommend really thorough post regarding the crash over on Airpigz. Martt’s post on the crash at the Reno Air Races is very thorough and I think shows enough of the facts that you can understand what likely happened.
On to what I have to say: I’m troubled by the crash. Honestly, I’m bothered by the sheer number of incidents that have occurred this summer. In thinking about these incidents and how I felt about them, I realized that it would bother me more if these events went away. Yes, I’m sad that these people have died. I’m sad that wonderful planes have been destroyed. I’m not trying to trivialize the pain that their families are going through, but the thing is, it’s life–no one gets out alive.
I don’t believe for a second that being 74 years old factored into the Reno crash. I don’t believe the aircraft being of a similar vintage factored in that much either. More to the point, the aircraft was highly modified and structurally different from the WWII fighter out of which it was born. It wasn’t the sort of aircraft nor was it the kind of venue where you climb into any aircraft and don’t take a healthy dose of risk just starting the engine. I can all but assure you that every pilot knew the risks they were taking by racing.
What about the people in the stands? Well, I’ve got some terrible news–you can’t control everything that is happening around you. Standing in a shop you could be mowed down by an old lady as she buries her Buick in the back of the store trying to hit the handicap spot out front. If just getting some groceries carries that much risk, you should be well aware of the risk that comes from watching planes racing at 500 MPH or tumbling artfully through the sky. The bottom line is that at some point you’ve got to get off this ride and you can’t control when. So, go out and enjoy an air show or see an air race, but do so knowing that you, just like the pilots, are taking a risk.
So, if you want some advice, don’t wait. Don’t wait to tell your loved ones you love them. Don’t wait to make things right. Go out and live your life in such a way that you would be alright if the next breath was your last.