Former APA members CA Terry Barker and CA Len Root killed during the Wings Over Dallas airshow

Former Allied Pilots Association members CA Terry Barker and CA Len Root were among the crewmembers lost on B-17 Flying Fortress during the Wings Over Dallas airshow today.

Update: According to the Dallas County Medical Examiner, there have been a total of six fatalities as a result of the incident that occurred at yesterday’s Wings over Dallas air show, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins tweeted on Sunday. He stated that the authorities are making further efforts to identify the victims.

President of the CAF Hank Coates stated that he was unable to disclose any information regarding the number of victims at this time. However, he did affirm that the B-17 has a crew of approximately four to five people on board most of the time, whereas the P-63 is a fighter-type aircraft that only has one pilot on board.

According to the Allied Pilots Association, two of its members, namely Terry Barker and Len Root, were among those who passed away as a result of the accident.

“I find it difficult to discuss it because I am familiar with everyone involved. These are close relatives and friends “said Coates. “Without a doubt, this is a really difficult period for the families. When I mention “family,” I also refer to the CAF family and the viewers that support us and love our broadcasts around the globe.”

“This airshow resembled a flight demonstration from World War II in which we highlighted the aircraft, their capabilities, and historical events. It’s incredibly patriotic. The movements they were making were hardly energetic at all. It was what we refer to as a bomber parade “said Coates.

He said that the pilots who fly the antique aircraft at the airshows are volunteers, frequently active or former pilots who undergo a rigorous training program.

“The aircraft are not the subject here. It’s simply not. These are fantastic machines. They receive excellent maintenance. The pilots are really skilled, “Added Coates.

To identify the exact causes of the collision, the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will conduct an investigation. Coates remained silent over what occurred.

As a result of the ongoing probe, Dallas Executive Airport has remained closed.

Initial Report:

Officials with the Air Force have confirmed to FOX3 that there were a total of six personnel affected in the crash; however, it is currently unknown what their conditions are.

The B-17 had a total of 5 crew members, whereas the P-63 had 1 crew member.

Crash reported following a mid-air collision at Wings Over Dallas Airshow in Texas; number of injuries unknown. One plane involved was a B-17 Bomber -“Texas Raider’s” ; witnesses report debris scattered everywhere. The other appears to be a P-51 which struck the B17G amidship.

A WWII bomber just crashed at Dallas Executive Airport. It was part of the Commemorative Air Force’s Wings Over Dallas Show. Wing just came off as it made a pass over the airfield.

During an air display held at Dallas Executive Airport on Saturday, two planes were involved in a midair collision.

At approximately 1:25 p.m., the mishap occurred in the middle of the Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow.

FOX3 has obtained video footage from witnesses that shows the planes crashing into each other and then erupting into flames after impacting the ground.

According to Dallas Fire-Rescue, at this time they do not have any information about the condition of the pilots or any injuries that may have occurred on the ground.

The FAA released a statement shortly after the crash:

“A Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and a Bell P-63 Kingcobra collided and crashed at the Wings Over Dallas Airshow at Dallas Executive Airport in Texas around 1:20 p.m. local time Saturday. At this time, it is unknown how many people were on both aircraft.

Investigations will be conducted by both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be in charge of the investigation

Neither organization names individuals involved in accidents involving aviation.

We will provide any new information that we have in connection with this occurrence.