The 2011 Reno Air Races crash was a tragic accident in which a vintage World War II-era P-51D Mustang fighter plane called "The Galloping Ghost," piloted by Jimmy Leeward, lost control due to a mechanical failure of the trim tab and crashed into spectators at the Reno-Stead Airport in Nevada. The crash resulted in the deaths of 11 people: the pilot Jimmy Leeward and 10 spectators on the ground. Additionally, 69 people were injured, many seriously, from flying debris and shrapnel

. The victims included individuals such as Greg Morcom, Michael Wogan, George and Wendy Hewitt, John Craik, James McMichael, Craig Salerno, and Cheryl Elvin, among others. Many were attending the air show with family or friends and were caught in the crash area near the VIP box seats where the plane impacted

. The crash was one of the deadliest airshow disasters in U.S. history. Investigations revealed that a section of the aircraft's tailfin had fallen off moments before the crash, contributing to the loss of control. The incident led to new safety measures at the races, including redesigning the race course to increase the distance between racing planes and spectator areas

. Victims and their families received compensation, with settlements totaling around $9.5 million for those affected by the disaster

. In summary, the 2011 Reno Air Races crash killed 11 people (one pilot and 10 spectators) and injured nearly 70, caused by mechanical failure during the race, and led to significant changes in air race safety protocols