RENO, Nev. (AP) -- Aviation experts say the veteran pilot whose plane slammed into a crowd of Nevada air race spectators at 400 mph had no chance to save his ill-fated flight after likely losing consciousness from extreme acceleration.
Jimmy Leeward's aircraft shot skyward like a rocket Friday before plunging into spectators at what appeared to be full throttle.
Retired Navy Top Gun commander Ernie Christensen says it appears Leeward wasn't controlling the plane during the fateful last few seconds. Christensen said if Leeward were conscious, he would have cut power back once he gained altitude.
Federal investigators continue to look for a cause of the crash at the National Championship Air Races that killed 11 people, including Leeward, and injured dozens. It could be months before they reach their conclusions.
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