DAYTON, Ohio -- The National Transportation Safety Board has announced the official cause of death of pilot Jim Leroy who was killed in a crash during the Vectren Dayton Air Show last year.

Thousands of people were stunned when veteran pilot, Jim Leroy, crashed to the ground during one of his aerobatic stunts.

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Leroy was known for his energy, charisma and talent. However, on July 28, 2007, his stunt plane spiraled down into a puff of smoke and then slammed into the ground at high speed.

Medics immediately tried to save the veteran pilot, but he died while en route to a local hospital.

The NTSB has now released the official cause of death. They said Leroy as not maintaining clearance from the terrain during his aerobatic maneuver.

The report said factors in the crash were the pilot’s restricted ability to see the ground and the oil smoke present in the air show performer’s box.

Plans are underway in preparation of this year’s air show. However, officials have not forgotten the tragic death of Leroy.

Executive Director of the Vectren Dayton Air Show, Terry Grevious, said he hoped it was not pilot error. He said it does happen, but they review procedures to make it safe.

It has not been officially announced yet, but Grevious told News Center 7 that the Vectren Dayton Air show is collaborating with Sinclair Community College to create a scholarship in Leroy’s honor to be awarded at this year’s air show.

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