Devyn Reiley was a 30-year-old warbird pilot from New Braunfels, Texas.
She was a skilled pilot and had been flying for several years.
Reiley died on Sunday, July 29, 2023 in a plane crash during EAA’s AirVenture event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
She was flying a World War II-era airplane when it crashed into Lake Winnebago, killing her and her co-pilot, 20-year-old Zach Colliemoreno.
The cause of the plane crash that killed Reiley and her co-pilot is still under investigation.
Devyn Reiley cause of death
At the time of writing this article, Reiley’s exact cause of death is still under investigation, although, it is understood that she died in a plane crash.
Reiley was the pilot of a vintage World War II T-6 Texan aircraft that crashed in Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin.
The North American T-6 Texan is a single-engine advanced trainer aircraft used to train pilots of the United States Army Air Forces, United States Navy, Royal Air Force and other air forces of the British Commonwealth during World War II and the 1950s.
The Texan was built by North American Aviation and originated from a NA-16 prototype which, modified as the NA-26, was submitted as an entry for a USAAC “Basic Combat” aircraft competition in March 1937.
The T-6 is known by a variety of designations depending on the model and operating air force, including the AT-6, SNJ, Harvard and Wirraway.
From 1937 to the early 1950s, North American and other manufacturers produced more than 16,000 Texans to satisfy the demand for advanced airplane trainers.
The T-6 trained several hundred thousand pilots in 34 different countries over a period of 25 years.
Though most famous as a trainer, the T-6 Texan also won honors in World War II and in the early days of the Korean War as a close air support aircraft.
EAA’s AirVenture event
EAA’s AirVenture event is an annual fly-in and convention held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, attracting more than 600,000 people and 10,000 airplanes each July.
The event is much more than just a bunch of cool airplanes and jaw-dropping air shows, with many special events taking place throughout the week.
Attendees can participate in forums and workshops on a wide range of aviation-related topics, including aircraft building and restoration, safety and technology.
There are also movie screenings and concerts throughout the week, providing entertainment for attendees when they’re not watching the air shows.
EAA AirVenture features a diverse lineup of exhibitors from around the world, showcasing the latest in aviation technology, products and services.
Volunteers are an essential part of the success of the event, and there are many opportunities available for those who want to get involved.
The EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Notice (commonly referred to as the Oshkosh NOTAM) provides arrival and departure procedures for the event.
The event is well-organized and runs like a well-oiled machine, with attendees describing it as an unforgettable experience.
EAA’s AirVenture event is a must-attend for aviation enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s most impressive aircraft up close and in action, while also learning about the latest developments in aviation technology.
