Thread: B-17 and P-63 midair

For multiple reasons...bugger..

Several viewpoints. Seems inability to see through the engine, did the smaller plane's pilot no favours...

WATCH: Two Planes Collide Mid-Air During Dallas Air Show

Originally Posted by superquag

Several viewpoints. Seems inability to see through the engine, did the smaller plane's pilot no favours...

WATCH: Two Planes Collide Mid-Air During Dallas Air Show

In all the Aero Cobra variants the engine is behind the pilot so would no have blocked his view.

When I was doing my initial training I witnessed a near miss where one student nearly landed on top of another. This sort of thing can happen, especially in an airshow. This is why air show organisers have learned (by tragedies) that all operations must be choreographed, and pilots must follow plans.

Originally Posted by JDNSW

When I was doing my initial training I witnessed a near miss where one student nearly landed on top of another. This sort of thing can happen, especially in an airshow. This is why air show organisers have learned (by tragedies) that all operations must be choreographed, and pilots must follow plans.

Was drummed into us that THE fatal blind spot is on the other side of your wing. - Easy to remember, not always catered for...

Yep, I'd concur, loose interpretation in 'flying the pattern' (AU, "circuit" ) would have contributed. My first impression was the fighter seemed to 'come out of nowhere' and was heading into where the pilot didn't see. Or anticipate someone else being there or about to be there. Sad.

Originally Posted by superquag

Was drummed into us that THE fatal blind spot is on the other side of your wing. - Easy to remember, not always catered for...

Yep, I'd concur, loose interpretation in 'flying the pattern' (AU, "circuit" ) would have contributed. My first impression was the fighter seemed to 'come out of nowhere' and was heading into where the pilot didn't see. Or anticipate someone else being there or about to be there. Sad.

It has been speculated that there were two patterns, an inner tight one and an outer one.

Originally Posted by 101RRS

In all the Aero Cobra variants the engine is behind the pilot so would no have blocked his view.

Reports state the single was a P-63. Kingcobra. Engine in front. Seems to be borne out by the videos.

This bloke does a fairly good job of analysing the accident:

https://youtu. be/Sceufd1Xutc

Space added in link to avoid googles scrutiny and to protect the forum.