FAA releases audio recordings from fatal Dallas air show collision

The full report is not expected for 12-18 months.

[bradywilson]

I knew the flight engineer on the B-17, his name was Curt. He flew me on a Cessna years back and was part of the reason I became so interested in aviation. When we were flying I asked him, “So why do you do this?”, he responded, “Because flying is the most relaxing thing I do!” RIP Curt and everyone else who lost their lives that day. I’m now studying aerospace engineering due partly to what Curt said to me that day.

[toddw]

Correction, the “air boss” is not an air traffic controller. He is a choreographer who works for the show. That’s the problem. They used to use controllers for these show at airports but they want the control of the show. Controllers don’t do crap like you hear on this tape.

[cornishcactus]

The Airboss allowed the aircraft to all fly at the same height, he also kept the bombers further out from the crowd at the 1000' line while letting the fighters on the closer line.
As the bombers were making larger turns in the circuit this put the fighters on the inside of the turns so they had to cross the bombers paths to get to that closer crowd line.
This also increased their speed as they had to overtake and worse bank sharper which lowered their visibility.
There's no reason they couldn't have flown two separate circuits with the fighters on the outside at all times as their higher speed would allow them to fly the larger circuit quicker to get the over the flighline timings correct and keep everything together. This also affords the fighters the best view possible of the bombers at all times in turns as they appear above in the canopy and aren't obstructed by the engine, wing or sometimes thicker portion of the canopy hoop frame.
Or you have them separated by half a circuit at all times regardless. . .


Huge fuck up from the Airboss in planning.

[ttrestle]

This loss absolutely infuriated me. Easily could’ve been avoided.

[mariuskuhrau]

Yep, that Air Boss is in deep shit because he told the pilots what to do and when to do it, and coordinating a Pyrotechnics show for the spectators. When the Air Boss changed the flying pattern for the bombers and fighters, he started a chain of events that resulted in a deadly mid air collision.

[jonqdrum]

Firstly I support warbirds and air shows. Secondly it’s senseless to have it this complicated and thus increasing risk. There is no reason they couldn’t be separated by altitude, or sequenced through air show center. I’m a pilot in in low level busy airspace operations- however no air show experience, so from the outside looking in it just seems ridiculous to organize what could be a simple and safe fly past for the audience to see and hear the aircraft. Why turn it into a complex, busy airspace without positive separation as a back up safety measure. I mean my god all you’re there to do is display the aircraft. The fact that the air boss is that busy on the radio giving, or having to give that much instruction is the first indicator this is too risky for the type of operation. Dumb down the complex traffic in the display and keep it simple! you’re not hero’s out there saving lives, why make it so hard on yourself. Sorry, been bugging me since it happened- RIP to those who lost their lives

[d.b.]

The worst part is the loss of life but those planes are also a huge loss, so much history.

[bambur]

Air boss never should have let them fly at the same level that close to each other

[sirnewton]

imho, The air boss was running his mouth like an auctioneer. Not communicating any valuable information to the pilots. He added to the confusion

[dixiepixie]

My youngest daughter's first flight, of any kind, was on this very aircraft, Texas Raiders. I have the crew picture with some of the gentleman that perished in Dallas. She has flown in numerous WWII era aircraft at various shows and this pursuit has shaped her education and career path. Our whole family has had unique experiences in these vintage birds and it's done a lot to contribute to my children's appreciation and knowledge of history. I'm profoundly sorry for the lives lost. I hope protocols are created to protect the people who dedicate themselves to this invaluable gift to future generations.

[fastfiddler]

The fact that this doesn't happen more often at airshows is amazing. It takes so much hard work, coordination, and communication to set up. As a pilot, flying your line to precision while keeping aware of other aircraft is a whole other thing.

[oldscuba]

I'm sorry Looks like the Air Boss didn't have enough experience.. you NEVER, turn to the inside of another aircraft when flying in close proximity to another Aircraft...Never! He made it sound that all was clear. RIP Guy's.

[sharkbaito]

This is criminal-level negligence on the air boss’ part.

[ianmcclellan]

That guy is NOT an Air Traffic Controller. He’s an Air Show Controller, but I very much doubt he’s got an ATC ticket.

[Mike_Hughes]

SO many experienced people involved, yet SO much (unchallenged) stupidity. RIP my fellow pilots, Mike x

[The_Will_Brown_Show]

My Dad and I flew in this exact plane years before at a small air show in Sabinal, TX…He rode back in one of the waste gunner positions…I was fortunate enough to ride in the nose in bombardier seat. When I found out it was Texas Raiders that went down, I got the most nauseating stomach ache…My heart sank…God be with the families of these men.

[joeybarrelwilde]

I cringed after listening to the full 36 minutes of audio that was released. Too jovial, too many thank you's, and you're doing a good job.

[urstupidlammass]

My dad works for the faa and this story gets a lot sadder then you could ever imagine

[pawepluta]

WTF was that? "I want you to"? "Roll for me"? It's not a place for improvised manouvers. And literally the sound of his pants filling when he hysterically screamed for the trucks...

[chasing_dragons]

This is absolutely heartbreaking. That fast and those aircrew were already dead. The only thing that comes to mind is please God we hope you made their crossover faster than fast and with zero pain for them.