BREAKING NEWS: B-17, P-63 in mid-air crash at Dallas air show

Two World War II-era aircraft – a B-17 Flying Fortress and a P-63 Kingcobra – crashed at an air show in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 12, 2022.

According to the FAA, the two aircraft were performing during the Wings over Dallas WWII Airshow at Dallas Executive Airport when they crashed about 1:20 p.m., CST.

Video posted to social media show the two aircraft colliding in midair and falling to the ground before exploding in flames.

Screenshot captures of social media video showing the mid-air collision between a B-17 and a P-63 at the Wings over Dallas WWII Airshow, Nov. 12, 2022.

At this point, there is no word on how many people were on board, although the Commemorative Air Force, the owner of the two aircraft, said the Kingcobra is a single-seat aircraft, and the B-17 typically has a crew of four to five people.

“This afternoon, two aircraft were involved in a mid-air collision at Dallas Executive Airport,” the CAF said in a statement. “The aircraft were … both out of the Houston area.

“Currently we do not have information on the status of the flight crews.

“CAF is working with local authorities, the FAA. And the NTSB will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those involved in the accident and their families.”

Day three of the Wings over Dallas Airshow has been cancelled.

The B-17, a cornerstone of U.S. air power during World War II, is an immense four-engine bomber used in daylight raids against Germany. The Kingcobra, a U.S. fighter plane, was used mostly by Soviet forces during the war. Most B-17s were scrapped at the end of World War II and only a handful remain today, largely featured at museums and air shows, according to Boeing.

The Wings over Dallas WWII Airshow is billed by the CAF as “the nation’s pre-eminent annual World War II themed airshow and military reenactment event. Flying demonstrations, flight line presentations, battle reenactments, veteran appearances and aircraft tours will provide hands-on opportunities for families and aviation history enthusiasts.

The CAF website goes on to say, “The Commemorative Air Force has been collecting, restoring and flying World War II aircraft for more than 60 years. A non-profit educational association, the CAF is the world’s largest flying museum with more than 11,000 members and a fleet of 175 airplanes. Nearly all the aircraft are kept in flying condition enabling people to experience first-hand the sight and sound of vintage military aircraft in flight.”

The Hill website, quoting a statement from Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesman Jason Evans, said the department’s resources were already on site for the air show. Evans said debris stretched from Dallas Executive Airport across a highway to a strip mall on the opposite side. He did say that no spectators or anyone else on the ground was affected by the crash.