Watch Mid-Air Collision of Two Military Planes at Dallas Air Show

In a tragic incident during the Wings Over Dallas air show in Texas, two vintage World War II-era aircraft collided mid-air, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. The commemorative event, held in honor of Veterans Day, drew thousands of spectators who witnessed the catastrophic collision between a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and a P-63 Kingcobra.

Videos captured by attendees show the two planes colliding at a low altitude, causing the B-17 to break apart mid-flight. The resulting wreckage fell to the ground in a fiery explosion. Despite the devastating crash, officials confirmed that there were no injuries among spectators or others on the ground.

Tragic Incident at Wings Over Dallas Air Show

The Dallas County Medical Examiner later identified six fatalities in the incident. Among them were Terry Barker and Len Root, both former pilots and members of the Allied Pilots Association. The organization expressed its grief, acknowledging the loss of two esteemed aviators who had participated in the event to honor military history.

Witness accounts revealed the immediate impact the crash had on those present. Chris Kratovil, one of the 4,000 to 6,000 attendees, described the scene as one of shock and silence. According to him, the crowd’s excitement quickly turned to somber stillness, with many parents shielding their children from the sight of burning wreckage scattered across the airfield.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced that it would conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. The Wings Over Dallas air show, organized by the Commemorative Air Force, is widely regarded as a premier World War II-themed aviation event, showcasing historic aircraft and their operations. Saturday’s planned demonstrations included aerial maneuvers and flyovers designed to educate the public about the role of these planes in the war.

Historical Significance of the Aircraft Involved

The B-17 Flying Fortress, one of the aircraft involved, played a significant role in the Allied air campaign during World War II. Known for its durability and heavy payload capacity, it was often deployed in strategic bombing missions over Germany. Typically, the B-17 operated with a crew of four to five members.

The other plane, the P-63 Kingcobra, was a fighter aircraft designed in the United States but primarily flown in combat by the Soviet Air Force under the Lend-Lease program. Unlike the B-17, the P-63 carried a single pilot and was known for its agility and firepower.

Hank Coates, a representative of the Commemorative Air Force, explained that the air show aimed to highlight the capabilities and historical significance of these planes. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson called the event a “terrible tragedy,” urging the community to reflect on the loss of the pilots who participated to honor military aviation history.

Watch the incident below: