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Kansas family returns to Reno Air Races after 2011 tragedy

Linda Elvin, left, and her husband Brian watch as a plane goes by during the Reno National Championship Air Races at Stead Airport on Sept. 17, 2015-Photo by Jason Bean courtesy Reno Gazette-Journal
Linda Elvin, left, and her husband Brian watch as a plane goes by during the Reno National Championship Air Races at Stead Airport on Sept. 17, 2015-Photo by Jason Bean courtesy Reno Gazette-Journal

RENO, Nev. (AP) — A Kansas family who witnessed a horrific crash that killed 11 people at the National Championship Air Races in Reno five years ago is among thousands of fans in attendance this weekend.

Linda Elvin, her husband Brian Elvin, brotherinlaw Bill Elvin and fatherinlaw Chuck Elvin all lost limbs when a World War II P-51 nose-dived into the ground on Sept. 16, 2011 at Reno-Stead Airport.

Chuck Elvin’s wife, Cherie, was among 10 spectators who died. The pilot also did not survive.

Linda Elvin tells the Reno Gazette-Journal that she refuses to watch any online videos of the plane smashing into the box seats in front of a grandstand.

She says her family is focused on their ongoing physical recovery, including a return to boating and flying their own aircraft.

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