Death toll climbs to 10 in air race crash

New York Times News Service

A 10th person died early Monday from injuries suffered when a modified World War II-era plane crashed into spectators during an air race in Reno, Nev., on Friday, officials said.

Dozens were injured, and at least 15 remained hospitalized Monday, including one person who was in critical condition at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center, the hospital said.

The identities of five of the 10 people who were killed were released Monday by the Washoe County medical examiner's office.

On Sunday, federal officials announced that they had recovered real-time flight information and a possible memory card from a video camera aboard the plane.

Mark Rosekind, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board, said investigators examining debris from the plane, a P-51 Mustang, had discovered a box containing another memory card, which is believed to have recorded information about the plane's final moments.

The device is much simpler than the "black box" that commercial airliners are equipped with, Rosekind said, but could reveal important details.

Thousands of visitors had come to the National Championship Air Races and Air Show at Reno-Stead Airport on Friday, only to watch in horror as the P-51, flown by James Leeward, 74, an experienced stunt pilot, suddenly jackknifed skyward during the last race.

Leeward's plane soared hundreds of feet in the air before twisting and falling nose-first into the crowd.

On Monday, the medical examiner's officer released the names of five of the victims: Regina Bynum, 53, from San Angelo, Texas; George Hewitt, 60, from Bellingham, Wash.; Gregory Morcom, 47, from Stanwood, Wash.; Sharon Stewart, 47, from Reno; and Leeward, the pilot, from Ocala, Fla.