At about 1450 Pacific time, the airplane experienced partial failure of the primary airframe structure supporting its rudder while in the race pattern at Reno-Stead Airport. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured, but the airplane sustained substantial damage. The air-race qualification/training flight was operating in visual conditions. While the airplane was in flight, part of the structure associated with an engine installed under an STC failed. That failure allowed jet blast from the engine to be deflected onto a portion of the primary airframe structure. The structure melted, affecting the support and movement of the airplanes rudder. The failure was not detected until the pilot operated the rudder pedals after landing.
