AirshowStuff Forums

Sherman Smoot, unlimited air racer and board member of the Estrella Warbirds Museum, has perished after a modified Yak 11 "Czeck Mate" crashed in Bakersfield on Friday. Smoot was taking it out for a test flight after an engine overhaul in preparation for the Reno Air Races, but it had an issue on takeoff (initial report is an oil leak leading to the engine seizing). Smoot tried to maneuver back to the airfield, but crashed about a mile short. "Czeck Mate" was a favorite to win the unlimited race this year.

https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/ve ... ern-county