Aviation Discovery Fest Cancels Traditional Airshow to Honor Victims of 2022 Wings Over Dallas Crash

By | November 7, 2023

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Accident – Death – Obituary News : Aviation Discovery Fest Cancels Airshow in Remembrance of 2022 Wings Over Dallas Crash Victims

Dallas, United Kingdom – The Aviation Discovery Fest, set to take place in Dallas this month, has announced that it will not feature a traditional airshow out of respect for the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic Wings Over Dallas crash last year. The Commemorative Air Force (CAF), the organizers of the event, confirmed this decision to WFAA.

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The CAF made the decision at the beginning of the year to forgo a traditional airshow in 2023, which usually includes coordinated performances reminiscent of the WWII Airshow at Wings Over Dallas. CAF officials stated that this decision was taken to pay tribute to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the accident.

Instead of an airshow, supporters and attendees at the Aviation Discovery Fest will have the opportunity to witness several historic aircraft, a living history encampment, and an aviation activity center. Over 1,000 students have already registered to attend the festival, which aims to provide an immersive educational experience. As part of the Veterans Voices program, several veterans will deliver speeches, and they will also be available for meet and greets throughout the day.

The tragic incident that prompted the cancellation of the airshow occurred in November 2022 when two historic military planes, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and a Bell P-63 Kingcobra, collided and crashed to the ground. The crash claimed the lives of six individuals, including the pilot, co-pilot, three crew members on board the B-17, and the pilot of the P-63F. The victims were identified as Terry Barker, Maj. Curtis Rowe, Craig Hutain, Len Root, Dan Ragan, and Kevin “K5” Michels.

A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was released in November 2022, indicating that a full investigation into the crash could take up to 12-18 months. In August, the family of one of the pilots killed in the crash filed a lawsuit against the CAF, the American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum Inc., and the American Airpower Heritage Museum, Inc., seeking to enhance safety measures for pilots participating in airshows.

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The Aviation Discovery Fest will be held from Friday, November 10, to Sunday, November 12, at the Dallas Executive Airport. The event on Friday will last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday’s events will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for the festival can be purchased on their official website.

This decision by the CAF to cancel the airshow portion of the Aviation Discovery Fest demonstrates their commitment to honoring the memories of the victims and prioritizing safety in the airshow community. Attendees can still expect an engaging and educational event that celebrates the rich history of aviation while paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the Wings Over Dallas crash..