Aero Vodochody L 39 N139PJ and Aero Vodochody L39 N139UK accident near Reno, Nevada

Probable cause

The pilot of the race 13 airplane's failure to maintain clearance from the race 37 airplane during the closed course air race.

NTSB analysis

During the closed course air race, the pilot of the race 13 airplane announced that he was passing the race 37 airplane on his right. A video recording of the midair collision showed that, as the two airplanes approached one of the racecourse pylons, race 13 was in a slight left bank behind race 37, which was in a level attitude. Shortly after, race 37 initiated a left bank, while race 13 was rapidly approaching race 37 from behind. Just before the collision, race 13 rolled out of the turn to an almost level attitude. The two airplanes then collided, which resulted in damage to the right wing and aileron of race 37 and damage to two inspection panels and fairings on the forward left side of the fuselage of race 13. Both airplanes landed uneventfully after the collision. The pilot of race 13 failed to maintain adequate separation from race 37 while overtaking the other airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR18LA267 for the full record.