On September 18, 2016, during the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada, pilot Thom Richard experienced a life-threatening near-miss on the runway that underscored the razor-thin margins between safety and disaster in aviation racing.
While preparing for takeoff in his Formula 1 racer Precious Metal, Richard detected engine trouble and aborted his launch. He shut down the engine, opened his canopy, and raised his hands to signal that he was withdrawing from the race. At that moment, another Formula 1 aircraft, piloted by John Parker in Sawbones, began its takeoff roll directly behind him.
Cockpit and ground footage captured the heart-stopping sequence: Parker’s plane accelerated toward Richard’s stationary aircraft. At the last second, Parker ve slightly to the left, but his right wing clipped Richard’s open canopy and grazed Richard’s raised hand—missing his head by inches. The impact shattered Richard’s canopy and slightly damaged Parker’s wing, but both pilots maintained composure.
Richard immediately climbed out of his cockpit unharmed and waved to signal he was okay. Race officials halted operations and launched an immediate safety review. The incident prompted significant changes in race procedures, including improved communication between pilots and ground control, stricter abort protocols, and enhanced spacing during takeoff rolls.
The event remains one of the most dramatic near-misses ever captured in air racing—a testament to pilot skill, quick reflexes, and the critical importance of safety protocols in high-speed aviation. Richard later returned to racing, and both pilots continued their careers with heightened awareness of the risks inherent in the sport.
