The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that a tragic lack of planning and oversight caused the mid-air collision during the Wings Over Dallas air show in November 2022.
The crash involved two World War II-era aircraft: a Boeing B-17G bomber and a Bell P-63F fighter. All six people aboard the planes were killed. The report, released on Monday, pointed to inadequate pre-show briefings and a failure to manage flight risks as primary causes. The event, held at Dallas Executive Airport and organized by the Commemorative Air Force, turned deadly when the P-63F struck the B-17G’s wing from behind during a maneuver.
Investigators determined that poor communication and confusion among pilots also played a significant role. The “air boss,” responsible for directing flight paths, did not provide a detailed plan to keep aircraft safely separated.
Although the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires pre-show briefings, the NTSB found these were insufficient for ensuring safety. Many pilots reported that the instructions they received were too long and difficult to follow. Without clear guidelines, the flight paths of the two planes inevitably converged, setting the stage for disaster.
The NTSB also highlighted the limited visibility pilots had during the event. A simulation study revealed that the structure of each plane obscured the pilots’ views, making it difficult for them to spot one another in time to avoid the crash. The P-63F pilot, approaching from behind and slightly below, likely had no chance to see the B-17G before impact. This issue was exacerbated by the air boss’s ineffective deconfliction strategy, which failed to anticipate and prevent dangerous overlaps in flight paths.
Further criticism was directed at the overall safety practices of the air show industry. The NTSB found that both the FAA and the International Council of Air Shows did not adequately consider collision risks in their oversight processes. The lack of standardized communication terms for air bosses contributed to the confusion. Additionally, air bosses are not subject to regular evaluations or ongoing training, a gap the NTSB believes increases the likelihood of future accidents.
The Commemorative Air Force, which has a long history of organizing air shows, acknowledged the NTSB’s findings. In a statement, they expressed their commitment to reviewing and implementing the recommendations. They thanked investigators for their diligence and professionalism, pledging to uphold the highest safety standards moving forward. The organization noted that this incident was its first fatal crash in 17 years, highlighting how rare but devastating such events can be.
To address these issues, the NTSB issued several recommendations to improve safety. They advised the FAA, the International Council of Air Shows, and event organizers to develop more detailed risk assessment plans and standardized communication protocols. They also called for regular evaluations and additional training for air bosses. These measures aim to prevent future tragedies by ensuring that air show participants operate under clearer, safer guidelines.
The final NTSB report is expected to be published Thursday, offering additional insights and potentially more recommendations. For those who celebrate aviation history, the Wings Over Dallas crash serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of thorough planning and oversight. The skies may be filled with the echoes of the past, but ensuring safety requires vigilance and modern safeguards to prevent such tragic collisions from repeating.