In November 2022, spectators at a Dallas air show witnessed a devastating tragedy when two World War II-era aircraft — a B-17 Flying Fortress and a P-63 Kingcobra — collided in mid-air. The collision happened during a commemorative flight honoring America’s aviation history, instantly destroying both planes and claiming the lives of all crew members aboard.

The B-17 Flying Fortress, one of the most iconic heavy bombers of the Second World War, and the P-63 Kingcobra, a rare fighter aircraft, were part of a Heritage Flight demonstration. As the planes crossed paths,

the P-63 struck the bomber, leading to a fiery crash that shocked thousands of onlookers below. Within seconds, debris rained down as families, veterans, and aviation enthusiasts watched in horror.

Federal authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), launched a full investigation into the cause of the accident. Initial reports suggested possible issues with flight coordination and spacing during the demonstration. The NTSB later confirmed that six crew members tragically lost their lives that day. Read more below