DALLAS — There will not be a traditional airshow at the Aviation Discovery Fest in Dallas this month, after the deadly crash at Wings Over Dallas in November of last year, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) confirmed to WFAA.
The CAF said it decided at the beginning of the year to not hold a traditional airshow in 2023, with coordinated performances like the ones typically performed at Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow.
"We felt it was appropriate and out of respect for the families and friends of those lost during last year's accident to forego the airshow element this year," CAF officials told WFAA in an email.
Supporters and attendees will get to see several historic aircraft, a living history encampment, and an aviation activity center, which already has over 1,000 students registered to attend. Several veterans will speak as part of the Veterans Voices program, and many will make themselves available to meet and greet attendees throughout the day, CAF officials said.
In November 2022, two historic military planes collided and crashed to the ground: a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and a Bell P-63 Kingcobra. Six people died in the crash – the pilot, co-pilot and three crewmembers onboard 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 NTSB report of the crash was released at the end of November last year, which can be read here. NTSB officials said a full investigation could take up to 12-18 months. In August, the family of one of the pilots killed in the crash sued the CAF, the American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum Inc., and the American Airpower Heritage Museum, Inc. "to help ensure safety for pilots participating in air shows."
Aviation Discovery Fest will be held from Friday, Nov. 10, to Sunday, Nov. 12, at the Dallas Executive Airport. Friday's event will last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday's will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone who wishes to attend can buy tickets here.
More Texas headlines: