Wed, Sep 28, 2011
Injured Woman Calls Leeward Crash 'Freak Accident'
With the future of the National Championship Air Races at Reno
being questioned, at least one of those still hospitalized after
the crash of the Galloping Ghost on September 16 says the tragedy
should not bring an end to the event. A total of 72 spectators were
hospitalized at two Reno-area hospitals. On Monday, ten were still
being treated, one still listed in critical condition.
But 22-year-old Janal Hilow, who's undergoing skin grafts and
other treatment for shrapnel wounds to her legs, called Jimmy
Leeward's crash "just a freak accident." She tells the Reno
Gazette-Journal the races should continue.
Her boyfriend, 22-year-old Eric Behne, was with her at the races
when the crash happened. He says he's flown with his father since
age 10, and earned his own pilot certificate two years ago. He
agrees that the races should go on, and dismisses allegations from
some attorneys that spectators are not aware of the risks. Behne
tells the paper, “I for one know that there’s a
possibility of a crash. I’ve seen a bunch of crashes since I
was very young and I’ve never been concerned about it. It has
never stopped me or my family from coming.
“We all know the risks, especially because there is a
liability release on the back of the tickets. Most of us are
pilots, especially in the box seats.
"Air race fans are very passionate and we all know how fortunate
we are to have this five-day event every year. And we don’t
want to lose it. I hope all the people in Reno fight for
it.”
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