Dallas Airshow Tragedy: Remembering the Wings Over Dallas Collision

In November 2022, the aviation world was devastated when a commemorative airshow in Dallas turned tragic. The Wings Over Dallas event, hosted by the Commemorative Air Force, was meant to honor World War II history with vintage aircraft demonstrations. Thousands of families, veterans, and aviation fans gathered to witness planes that once shaped the course of war.

But the celebration became catastrophe when two aircraft collided mid-air: a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and a rare Bell P-63 Kingcobra. Within seconds, fiery debris rained down as both planes were destroyed. All six crew members aboard were killed, though no injuries occurred among spectators.

Eyewitnesses described the horrific moment as surreal—many initially mistook it for part of the show before realizing tragedy had struck. The incident sparked worldwide grief and raised urgent questions about the safety of flying vintage warbirds, which, despite meticulous restoration, are often over 75 years old.

The NTSB and FAA launched investigations, reviewing airshow protocols and pilot coordination to prevent similar disasters. While aviation advocates stress the importance of preserving history through flight, the tragedy underscores one truth: commemoration must never come at the expense of safety.