Thom Richard sitting in his plane moments before impact. Picture: YouTube

Thom Richard was in his plane, Hot Stuff, about to depart for the final race in the gold heat at the National Championship Air Races in Reno reported Flying Mag.

But just as the race was about to start Richard realised he had engine trouble and signalled the problem to the flagman, opening his canopy to let others know he was out of the race.

Unfortunately some of the other pilots missed his signal and continued with their take off.

The video captures just how close Richard came to a more serious injury, even death.

Thom Richard remained calm despite almost the Terrifying runway collision. Picture: YouTubeSource:YouTube

In a statement on Facebook Richard said, “the propeller sliced three evenly spaced gashes about mid span of my right wing, about a foot apart.”

He also said that despite sustaining an injury to his hand he has not been put off from racing but realises how lucky he is the injury was not worse.