Reno Air Crash
People rush to help injured spectators following the crash of a vintage World War Two P-51 Mustang fighter plane near the grandstand at the Reno Air Races in Reno, Nevada. REUTERS

A 10th person has died from injuries sustained when a vintage plane crashed during a popular annual air show at Reno, Nev., killing the pilot and injuring more than 70 spectators.

Four patients are still critical and at least six are in serious condition.

Jimmy Leeward, 74, the veteran pilot of the World War II-era fighter plane, died on the spot when his plane plunged into a crowded tarmac at full speed.

The horrific scene was strewn with scattered body parts, bodies covered with blood and smoking debris.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident by examining video clips and pictures taken during the show that show a small piece of the aircraft falling to the ground before the crash.

Leeward, who flew the P-51 Mustang also known as the Galloping Ghost, abruptly nosedived into the VIP seating section.