The Dallas air show crash of 2022 remains one of the most tragic events in aviation history, capturing global attention due to its shocking mid-air collision between two vintage World War II-era aircraft. On a clear afternoon at the Wings Over Dallas air show, held at Dallas Executive Airport, spectators gathered to witness a spectacular display of historical planes. Little did they know that the event would end in disaster, claiming the lives of six experienced aviators and destroying irreplaceable pieces of aviation heritage. This article delves into the details of the Dallas air show crash, exploring the sequence of events, the investigation’s findings, and the lasting impact on air show safety protocols.
The Wings Over Dallas air show, organized by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), is an annual event celebrating vintage military aircraft. In November 2022, the show featured a lineup of bombers and fighters performing simulated combat maneuvers. Among them was the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress named “Texas Raiders,” a massive four-engine bomber that had survived decades since its service in World War II. Accompanying it were several fighter planes, including the Bell P-63F Kingcobra, a rare Soviet-designed fighter used primarily for training during the war. The air show aimed to educate and entertain, drawing crowds eager to see these relics in flight.
On November 12, 2022, around 1:20 p.m., during a routine bomber stream demonstration, tragedy struck. The B-17 was flying in formation with other bombers on a straight path parallel to the runway, while the P-63 was part of a fighter group approaching from a different angle. Video footage captured the horrifying moment when the P-63 banked sharply and collided with the B-17’s fuselage. The impact severed the bomber’s tail section, causing both aircraft to plummet to the ground in a fireball. Debris scattered across the airport grounds, but miraculously, no spectators were injured. The Dallas air show crash unfolded in seconds, leaving witnesses in shock and emergency responders scrambling to the scene.
Eyewitness accounts described the chaos vividly. One attendee recalled hearing a loud “boom” followed by black smoke billowing into the sky. Social media videos quickly went viral, showing the planes disintegrating mid-air. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) immediately launched an investigation into the Dallas air show crash, focusing on factors like pilot error, mechanical failure, and event planning. Preliminary reports confirmed that both planes were airworthy, with no signs of pre-impact malfunctions. The pilots were highly qualified: the B-17 carried five crew members, including veterans with thousands of flight hours, while the P-63 had a single pilot, also an expert in vintage aircraft.
As the NTSB delved deeper, key issues emerged. The air show’s flight plan involved multiple aircraft flying in close proximity, but the briefing for pilots was deemed inadequate. According to the final NTSB report released in December 2024, the probable cause was “the inadequate planning of the event by the air boss and the pilots’ failure to maintain visual separation.” The air boss, responsible for coordinating the flights, had instructed the fighters to overtake the bombers on a converging path, but without clear altitude separations or visual cues. This setup created a blind spot for the P-63 pilot, who may not have seen the B-17 until it was too late. Visibility challenges in the P-63’s cockpit, with its forward-placed canopy, were also noted as a contributing factor.
The report highlighted systemic problems in the air show industry. Unlike commercial aviation, air shows often rely on voluntary organizations like the CAF, which may lack the rigorous oversight of major airlines. The NTSB recommended enhanced training, better use of technology like collision-avoidance systems, and stricter FAA guidelines for multi-aircraft demonstrations. In response, the CAF suspended all flights temporarily and implemented new safety measures, including mandatory video reviews of briefings and improved communication protocols. The Dallas air show crash prompted a broader discussion on preserving historical aircraft while ensuring public safety.
The victims of the Dallas air show crash were remembered as passionate aviators dedicated to honoring military history. On the B-17 were Craig Hutain, Kevin Michels, Dan Ragan, Leonard Root, and Curt Rowe—all CAF members with deep ties to aviation. The P-63 pilot, Terry Barker, was a former airline captain and Army veteran. Memorial services drew hundreds, and funds were raised for their families. Lawsuits followed, with relatives suing the CAF and event organizers, alleging negligence in planning. As of 2025, some cases remain ongoing, with the NTSB report bolstering their claims.
The aftermath extended beyond legal battles. The loss of the B-17 “Texas Raiders” was particularly devastating, as only a handful of flyable Flying Fortresses remain worldwide. The P-63, one of even fewer surviving examples, represented a unique piece of aviation lore. The incident echoed past air show tragedies, like the 2011 Reno Air Races crash, underscoring the risks of flying vintage planes. Yet, air shows continue, with organizers emphasizing that such events educate future generations about wartime sacrifices.
In analyzing the Dallas air show crash, experts point to human factors as the core issue. Pilots in formation flying must rely on “see and avoid” principles, but in high-speed maneuvers, even minor miscommunications can be fatal. Simulations recreated the collision, showing how the P-63’s trajectory intersected the B-17’s path at a critical angle. Weather was clear, ruling out environmental causes. Mechanical reviews confirmed no engine failures or structural weaknesses.
To visualize the horror, consider the moment of impact captured in photos.
This image shows the wreckage on the ground, a stark reminder of the force involved.
Another poignant capture is the explosion in the sky.
These visuals highlight the suddenness of the tragedy.
The Dallas air show crash has led to industry-wide reforms. The International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) updated its guidelines, mandating risk assessments for converging flight paths. The FAA increased inspections of vintage aircraft operators. While no one wants to ground these historical machines, the priority is preventing future losses.
As we reflect on the Dallas air show crash three years later, it serves as a cautionary tale. Aviation enthusiasts continue to flock to shows, but with heightened awareness. The event’s legacy is one of improved safety, honoring the fallen by ensuring their passion doesn’t claim more lives.
(Word count: 1024)
FAQ
Q: What caused the Dallas air show crash? A: The NTSB determined that inadequate planning by the air boss and lack of clear separation instructions led to the mid-air collision. Pilots failed to maintain visual contact due to the flight paths converging without sufficient safeguards.
Q: Who were the victims of the Dallas air show crash? A: The six victims were Terry Barker (P-63 pilot), Craig Hutain, Kevin Michels, Dan Ragan, Leonard Root, and Curt Rowe (B-17 crew). All were experienced aviators affiliated with the Commemorative Air Force.
Q: Has anything changed in air shows since the Dallas air show crash? A: Yes, the CAF and ICAS have implemented stricter briefings, technology aids, and FAA oversight to prevent similar incidents. Air shows now emphasize risk mitigation in multi-aircraft performances.