BREAKING: Mid-air collision between two planes at an airshow in Dallas

[buckwacker]

Look at the YouTube videos.
It shows how visibility in these small planes is an issue when doing turns.

I was referring specifically to the visibility issues of low wing aircraft in a bank. I didn't think that would be a problem for a p63 pilot because the wing is aft of the cockpit.

 

[Basher]

I was referring specifically to the visibility issues of low wing aircraft in a bank. I didn't think that would be a problem for a p63 pilot because the wing is aft of the cockpit.

That depends on several factors, including where the other aircraft is in relation to the Cobra (horizontal and vertical), where the pilot is looking, angle of bank, each aircraft’s speed, varying directions of flight, etc. I fly helicopters, which typically have MUCH better visibility than airplanes, and even we have a few spots that require special attention when we’re scanning for traffic. If you don’t fly, then you can’t truly comprehend the additional complexity of visual scanning in the three-dimensional realm that aircraft operate in. It’s not as easy/simply as non-pilots think.

 

[Denny347]

 

[HoughMade]

Was he vaccinated?

 

[HoughMade]

Anyhoo, I heard a CAF President, Hank Coates' press conference. He said that what they were doing at the time is something they call "Bombers on Parade". Elsewhere, I saw this described as the bombers flying level around 500 feet and the "fighter escort" flying above.

Obviously, something went wrong, but in a long, sweeping left bank when following someone, I can see how the B-17 would not be in your line of sight. I'm fine letting the NTSB and FAA doing their work, but I think this was a factor....among others.

 

[buckwacker]

That depends on several factors, including where the other aircraft is in relation to the Cobra (horizontal and vertical), where the pilot is looking, angle of bank, each aircraft’s speed, varying directions of flight, etc. I fly helicopters, which typically have MUCH better visibility than airplanes, and even we have a few spots that require special attention when we’re scanning for traffic. If you don’t fly, then you can’t truly comprehend the additional complexity of visual scanning in the three-dimensional realm that aircraft operate in. It’s not as easy/simply as non-pilots think.

I understand there are other factors affecting visibility (can't see through metal), but just pointing out that the wing shouldn't be a factor as suggested because of its position relative to the cockpit. It's a minor point not worth belaboring.

 

[DragonGunner]

Saw a pilot talking about you never attempt to pass to gain lead from the inside, you lose sight and the speed will carry you right into it. That’s why it’s never allowed in air racing, you pass on the outside or you don’t. Also as I said earlier seems these should of been at different altitudes but haven’t seen any evidence that was happening. The cobra pilot when told to take lead was already too far back, if he passed on the outside it would of carried him over the crowd and that will get you kicked out of doing this kind of stuff. The cobra at impact was I believe they said over 200 knots and the bigger bomber was 140 knots. According to this video it was a bad judgement call and a big mistake taking the inside to pass.

 

[Gabriel]

I'm fine letting the NTSB and FAA doing their work...

I prefer the opinions of the INGO experts.

 

[jedi]

I prefer the opinions of the INGO experts.

Here...here...

This is INGO!!!!

we don't need no experts. we r that!

 

[Basher]

HERE is a video worth watching, put out by the AOPA Air Safety Institute, an established organization of aviation professionals:

 

[oze]

HERE is a video worth watching, put out by the AOPA Air Safety Institute, an established organization of aviation professionals:

Excellent video. Thank you for posting it.

 

[Denny347]

HERE is a video worth watching, put out by the AOPA Air Safety Institute, an established organization of aviation professionals:

That is actually a VERY informative video without drawing conclusions.

 

[Basher]

That is actually a VERY informative video without drawing conclusions.

Which is exactly what we need. Facts/information/observations, without placing blame or making wild assumptions.

 

[Twangbanger]

I understand there are other factors affecting visibility (can't see through metal), but just pointing out that the wing shouldn't be a factor as suggested because of its position relative to the cockpit. It's a minor point not worth belaboring.

The wing wasn't the thing obstructing his view. From watching the video, it's obviously the nose/fuselage of the plane. The wing could have been above him and it wouldn't have mattered.

 

[Gunmetalgray]

Very unfortunate that the odds of such a direct unintentional hit are incredibly low but not zero. Any slight changes in either aircraft's speed, acceleration, altitude, left, or right positioning in the previous 10 or 20 seconds of flight would have resulted in a near miss/puckered sphincter but they would still be here today to talk about it. RIP aviators.

 

[BugI02]

I know this is INGO, but do we really need a screaming match on EVERY thread?

Survey says ... Yes!

 

[HoughMade]

 

[indykid]

I understand there are other factors affecting visibility (can't see through metal), but just pointing out that the wing shouldn't be a factor as suggested because of its position relative to the cockpit. It's a minor point not worth belaboring.

Actually in the F-35 you can. That is the reason the flight helmets are so expensive, they are linked to cameras around the aircraft which gives the pilot the ability to "see through" the airplane. Gotta be a strange feeling looking down and seeing the ground below!

 

[Creedmoor]

I prefer the opinions of the INGO experts.

Then I suggest you spend time in the Indianapolis Colts Thread.

 

[Gabriel]

Then I suggest you spend time in the Indianapolis Colts Thread.

I don’t know anything about horses.