Commemorative Air Force Media Information
Information regarding the incident at the 2022 Wings Over Dallas Airshow at Dallas Executive Airport can be found on this page. The information will be updated as it becomes available. All press inquiries should be directed to Leah Block, Vice President of Marketing, lblock@cafhq.org or (877) 767-7175, ext. 8.
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has worked closely with everyone involved in this investigation over the past two years. These accidents are thoroughly examined to help uncover any opportunities for ongoing safety improvements. The information published by the NTSB reinforces the understanding we have gained throughout this process. The CAF has already implemented many of the NTSB’s recommendations to strengthen our existing Safety Management System. We are reviewing information as it comes in and are carefully considering how it may impact our operations in the future.
December 12, 2024
December 12, 2024 - The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued the final report for the 2022 Wings Over Dallas Airshow Accident. Click here to download the Final Report. The synopsis, including the findings, probable cause, and safety recommendations, is available on the accident investigation webpage at this link.
December 9, 2024
December 9, 2024 - The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a public statement and synopsis Click here to read the official synopsis regarding the 2022 Wings Over Dallas mid-air collision. Click here to go to the official Press Release on the NTSB website. The final report is expected to be released soon.
March 11, 2024
Public News Release From the NTSB - Click to go to Official NTSB Link
NTSB Opens Public Docket on ‘Wings Over Dallas’ Midair Collision Investigation WASHINGTON (March 11, 2024) — The National Transportation Safety Board opened the public docket for its ongoing investigation of a midair collision during an airshow in Dallas, Texas.
The accident occurred on Nov. 12, 2022, when a Boeing B-17G airplane and a Bell P-63F airplane collided midair during the Wings Over Dallas airshow. A total of five people aboard the two airplanes were fatally injured in the crash.
The docket for this investigation includes more than 1,900 pages of factual information, including reports on operations and human performance factors, airplane performance, airworthiness, and laboratory examinations. The docket also includes transcripts of recordings, interview transcripts, photographs, and other investigative materials.
The docket contains only factual information collected by NTSB investigators; it does not provide the final report or a probable cause. No conclusions about how or why the crash happened should be drawn from the information within the docket. The NTSB will issue a final report at a later date that will include analysis, findings, recommendations, and probable cause determinations related to the accident.
Click here to access the public docket for this investigation online.
Additional material may be added to the docket as it becomes available.
The preliminary report, a link to photos and other information is available on the investigation webpage: CEN23MA034.aspx (ntsb.gov).
January 13, 2023
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released the audio recording from Wings Over Dallas, November 12, 2022, which has communication between the Air Boss, pilots, and tower. This audio contains the communication that occurred during the mid-air collision between B-17 Texas Raiders and P-63 Kingcobra. The audio is consistent with and supports the NTSB’s preliminary report.
The NTSB’s investigation is ongoing, and the final report is expected in 6-18 months. We continue to respect the process of the investigation and refrain from speculation on cause until all the facts have been evaluated. We appreciate everyone's assistance and support during this time.
November 30, 2022
Today, the Commemorative Air Force received a copy of the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) preliminary report regarding the tragic accident that occurred at the Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow on November 12, 2022. A link to the report can be found here https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/106276/pdf.
We are continuing to work with NTSB and are grateful for their diligence in looking into anything that could have been a factor to cause the accident. Until the NTSB’s final report comes out, we cannot speculate about any cause or causes that may have led to the accident. We will continue to post any updates on our website.
November 14, 2022:
NTSB Member Michael Graham holds second media briefing on the Nov. 12, mid-air collision between a Boeing B-17G and a Bell P-63F near Dallas, Texas;
-National Transportation Safety Board
November 14, 2022:
NTSB Member Michael Graham to hold media briefing today (Nov. 14) at 3:00 p.m. Central on the Nov. 12, mid-air collision between a Boeing B-17G and a Bell P-63F, at the Dallas Executive Airport Terminal, 5303 Challenger Drive, Dallas, Texas.
-National Transportation Safety Board
November 14, 2022:
The names of those involved in the accident are posted here.
November 13, 2022:
NTSB Member Michael Graham briefs the media on the Nov. 12, mid-air collision between a Boeing B-17G and a Bell P-63F near Dallas, Texas;
-National Transportation Safety Board
November 13, 2022:
NTSB Member Michael Graham to hold media briefing today at 3:00 p.m. Central on the Nov. 12, mid-air collision between a Boeing B-17G and a Bell P-63F, at the Dallas Executive Airport Terminal, 5303 Challenger Drive, Dallas, Texas.
-National Transportation Safety Board
November 12, 2022:
This afternoon, two aircraft were involved in a mid-air collision at Dallas Executive Airport. The aircraft were a B-17 and P-63 Kingcobra, both out of Houston. Currently we do not have information on the status of the flight crews as emergency responders are working the accident. The Commemorative Air Force is working with local authorities and the FAA, and the NTSB will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
-Commemorative Air Force
Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow – Information Sheet
What happened? On Saturday, Nov 12, at approximately 1:20 p.m. CST, two aircraft were involved in a mid-air collision at Dallas Executive Airport. The accident occurred during the Commemorative Air Force’s Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow.
What aircraft were involved? The aircraft involved were a B-17 Flying Fortress and a P-63 Kingcobra, both based out of the Houston area. Both aircraft are owned and operated by the Commemorative Air Force.
How did the accident happen? The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. At this time, no additional information is available.
How many crew members were involved? The B-17 operates with a flight crew of 4-5 individuals, and the P-63 operates with a single crew member.
What can you tell us about the crew involved? The names of those involved in the accident are posted here.
Where can I get additional information? The Commemorative Air Force is working closely with local and national authorities who are investigating this accident. In addition, we respect the privacy of the families involved. We will provide additional information as we are able at www.commemorativeairforce.org, or you may contact Leah Block at lblock@cafhq.org.
How long has the CAF produced the Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow? This is the seventh year for the event which takes place annually at Dallas Executive Airport during the Fall.
What is the purpose of the Wings Over Dallas event? Wings Over Dallas supports the Commemorative Air Force’s mission to educate, inspire and honor through flight and living history experiences. The event features flying demonstrations, battle reenactments, veteran appearances, living history encampments, hands-on family and educational activities, cockpit tours, and more. The airshow features more than forty World War II-era aircraft – including bombers, fighters, and support airplanes participate in the airshow. Aircraft featured this year include the B-29 Superfortress FIFI, B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil, C-47 That’s All, Brother, P-51 Mustang Tuskegee Airmen.
What is the Commemorative Air Force? Founded in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force has amassed approximately 180 World War II aircraft – the largest collection of flying vintage military warbirds in the world. Through the work of more than 12,000 volunteers across 85 units, the CAF’s educational outreach programs reach an estimated 20 million Americans each year, providing unique, compelling hands-on access to history. For more information about the Commemorative Air Force, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org.
