Dallas Airshow Tragedy

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

Dallas Airshow Tragedy

cdnpont · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

It's hard to watch, and nowadays there are detailed shots from every angle.

I'm sure it was over pretty much instantaneously for the crews if that brings some solace.

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

Oh man, I hadn't heard. That is awful. I won't need to see the video. Prayers to all affected by this.

66 Grande guy · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

I had actually encountered this airplane 26 years ago when I was in a Cessna 310 birddog transiting from Manning to Edmonton. It was on some kind of display flight from the lower US to Alaska (I believe) and had stopped in Peace River. As it took off, we heard what it was on the radio and figured we could alter our flight path a bit to form alongside it. This we did and I got a great shot or two but figured it was time to go when they turned a gun turret or two to towards us just for fun. (I'm not totally sure this actually happened but it seems quite clear in my mind) Anyway we peeled off and so did they. It was the one and only time I have seen one if these in the air. it was beautiful them in a deadly kind of way

Terrible thing for the people.

Not a fan of airshows, as I have been a participant in a few with the airtankers over the years. Too many egos around and too much tendency to try to hotdog. When we go, we stick to our standard routine and we don't share the airspace with anyone else. Might not be the most exciting for the thrill seekers that show up but too bad.

cdnpont · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

That's amazing Ken.

seventy2plus2 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Which B-17 was it? I've flown in Sentimental Journey.

JetRider · Addicted!

I was wondering the same thing Clint. I was lucky enough to fly in Aluminum Overcast...built in May 1945 and never seen action overseas.Over 12,000 B17s built and there are only a handful left today.What a thrill that was!!

66 Grande guy · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

It was called Texas Raiders.

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

From what I've been reading on the Pilot forums there were two "parade routes"; one for the fighters and one for the bombers. Facing forward the bombers flew on the right and fighters on the left. The B-17 had finished it's turn and was flying straight over the runway to do a fly by.
A P-51 had done the same and was in it's proper path ahead and left of the bomber. The P-63 can been seen completing it's turn towards the runway but appears to be too wide and too fast. The angle of the P-63 during the turn made it difficult if not impossible to see the B-17 due to this planes design. It's also speculated that since these are museum pieces and shouldn't be stressed the P-63 pilot knew he was too fast and was doing a wider turn to reduce G forces on the plane. Regardless of the reason I find it so ironic that with all that airspace the P-63 managed to slice right through the center of the bomber.

Lt1 Burb · Addicted!

66 Grande guy wrote:

Small world, my buddy flies bombers for ConAir.

-- Edited by Lt1 Burb on Monday 14th of November 2022 11:33:10 AM

unruhjonny · Guru

thanks Ken for the little story.

I didn't know there was video of this, I heard about it when it happened, my cousin and his brother are in the aviation field, and we are all vintage aircraft enthusiasts.

These WWII planes are getting all the rarer;
The tragedy of loss of historic aircraft aside, I sure hope the pilots made it out...

There are very few of these WWII aircarft left in flying condition - which makes me all the more remiss that the 'Flying Heritage Museum' officially shut it's doors this past spring(?) - after two years of lockdowns - I was really hoping to bring my kids there for a "fly-day".

I remember several years ago hearing about the only flying HE-111 had crashed - I remember in the late 1990's, or maybe early 2000's it flew over Calgary - I was in awe for having seen it - that aircraft has a VERY distinct outline, so there was no mistaking what it was.

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

Some great photos of the B-17 that was lost. Such a shame on all levels

JetRider · Addicted!

What a gorgeous aircraft!! I absolutely love the nose art on those planes...can you imagine how proud youd have been to fly on that plane "THE TEXAS RAIDERS"! Notice the chin turret on that B17...the Germans made it rough on those boys with head on frontal attacks.That addition of those 50 cal chin turrets changed their minds a bit.Hats off to the Greatest Generation!! MUCH RESPECT!

MC · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

I saw this analysis video posted on another site:

bjburnout · Uber Guru

Excellent video Mark.......thanx for sharing.

Such a tragic loss........

Lt1 Burb · Addicted!

If I was ever to get a tattoo it would be nose art off of a WW2 plane.