Widewing,
In this case, multiple video recording from various angles shows a defining change of course most attribute to a last second control input by the pilot. We may or may not ever know one way or the other, but the FAA was on site and working before the last of the victims was removed from the area, and I am sure they will have the final word.
In the mean time, I choose to believe that Jimmy did make a conscious effort to save the spectators he saw below him while inverted and rolling in.
Jimmy Leeward, rest his soul, was a true professional, and one of the nicest race pilots I ever had the pleasure to meet in all the years I have been attending the RARA event and prowling the pit area at Stead Airport.
The fact that accidents do happen is a given, but the absolute stupidity of the media is beyond me. Why "the talking heads" have to talk, just to get some air time, and why their higher ups can't get them some information prior to question and answer times in this day of instant communication really torks my jaws.
Point...reporter's asked Mike (Mike Houghton, president and CEO of Reno Air Races), the following questions:
"How old was this airplane?"
(The reporter didn't know it was a WWII aircraft),
"Had this plane been modified in any way?"
(Hell yes, it is in the unlimited class, you idiot),
"Is it possible there was a parts failure leading up to this crash?"
(Here's your sign...)
And these same people are telling you about the news of the day.
