The AOPA released a video in its Early Analysis series addressing on the midair collision at the Wings Over Dallas airshow between a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and a Bell P-63 Kingcobra. The collision occurred on Nov. 12 and took the lives of all six in both aircraft involved. ASI Senior VP Richard McSpadden talks about the conditions and known information surrounding the tragic event.
The two WWII vintage airplanes were a part of the Commemorative Air Force show, requiring extensive checks of the aircraft as well as the pilots aboard. To fly for the CAF there are strict rules and provisions to fly the planes in front of a crowd. The NTSB will look into and confirm that proficiency requirements were met and were sufficient.
The NTSB will likely rule out most aircraft problems, confirming both aircraft were airworthy. The conditions on the day of the crash were day VFR conditions with visibility of 10 miles. Winds were strong with a 15-knot wind with gusts coming out of the northeast. As the planes flew over the crowd the winds would have been pushing away from the crowd, ideal for an airshow performance. Visibility was good that day; the sun angle would have been mid to low in the west to the southwestern sky and not caused any issues. These conditions were not significant enough to cause a mishap, McSpadden said.
RELATED STORIES: Here is what we have learned about the 6 airmen lost in the Wings Over Dallas crash
Victims identified in midair crash between B-17, P-63 at Wings Over Dallas airshow, killing 6
The next thing to look at is possible human error or pilot mistake. McSpadden said that further inspection of the crash indicated show-line encroachment. From his experience as commander and flight leader of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, McSpadden discusses the FAA mandates for show lines.
To create distance from the crowd, the show line is parallel and enables the crowd to watch from a safe distance. Based on the types of plane, size, speed and types of maneuvers, the FAA will mandate certain distances from the crowd.
For this performance, due to the many types of aircraft performing, there would have been multiple show lines. Based on the videos, McSpadden said the B-17 had an inner show line closer to the crowd and the P-63 had a farther show line. This is part of how they establish deconfliction. The FAA has strict guidelines about show lines, meaning the show lines would have been studied and established by pilots and all involved.
“To violate a show line is a serious violation,” McSpadden said. “It can result in the air boss grounding you. It can result in you losing your privileges to fly in front of a crowd, and in some cases it can result in the FAA taking enforcement action against you.”
Based on spectator videos McSpadden said, it appears the P-63 is out of the show line. Videos show the P-63 extending outside of the show line, loosening the turn and angling inside toward the crowd. Before impact, videos show the P-63 extends its bank and banks up more aggressively. McSpadden said the P-63 was likely focused on the P-51 ahead of it and having realized it overshot its show line, is trying to correct its course.
From AOPA Early Analysis Video
McSpadden said the pilot could have also lost sight of the show line.
“Another factor in this accident is the poor visibility in the P-63,” he said. “The P-63 being a WWII vintage fighter has a long nose. Visibility over the nose and inside a relatively cramped cockpit is difficult. It is especially difficult looking low. The P-63 is in an extended bank turn as it gets near the B-17 and in that turn is coming slightly high to low….the B-17 being as big as it is would have been completely blind to the P-63.”
RELATED STORY: Losing the Texas Raiders B-17 is much more than just losing a piece of aviation history
McSpadden said shows the dangers of an extended bank turn to roll out on a projected flight path, seen in many previous midairs. It is important to roll out periodically, no less than 90° to check the belly of the plane McSpadden said. Airshows and performances are planned carefully to prevent occurrences like this. The NTSB and CAF will check for possible encroachment and other human factors.
Another human factor is the condition of the pilot. Factors like fatigue, how proficient they are with the aircraft and how recently they had flown an aircraft like this. The NTSB and CAF will look into the pilots to ensure they were proficiently trained to fly in the aircraft and participate in the show.
The AOPA will continue giving updates as they become available. The CAF still mourns the six members of their community. The NTSB is requesting that any photos and videos of the accident are sent to [email protected] to help with the investigation.
Donate to the ICAS fund for families of the victims here.
Contact
Name: Haley Davoren
, Digital Content Manager
Company: GlobalAir.com
Website: http://globalair.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 5024563934
©2022 GlobalAir.com, Haley Davoren. All rights reserved.
Recent Comments