MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Who was Terry Barker? Retired American Airlines pilot, 67, among victims of Wings Over Dallas air show crash

The horrifying incident took place during the Wings Over Dallas Airshow at Dallas Executive Airport on November 12

DALLAS, TEXAS: The mid-air collision between two historic World War II-era planes, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and a Bell P-63 Kingcobra, at a Dallas air show on Saturday, November 12, killed six people. County Judge Clay Jenkins confirmed the death toll from the crash in a tweet on early Sunday, November 13, that read, “According to our Dallas County Medical Examiner, there are a total of 6 fatalities from yesterday's Wings over Dallas air show incident. Authorities will continue working today on the investigation & identification of the deceased.”

Horrifying visuals captured by people attending the Wings Over Dallas Airshow at Dallas Executive Airport at around 1.20 pm on November 12 showed the two planes crashing and then breaking apart into pieces. And within a couple of seconds, being covered in a ball of fire. Aubrey Anne Young, 37, who was one of the spectators, told, as quoted by The Guardian, “It was really horrific to see. I’m still trying to make sense of it.” Nobody on the ground was injured or killed, said the authorities.

READ MORE

3 flyers killed after plane crashes into Minnesota home, sleeping residents spared by inches

Terrifying video shows plane CRASH LANDING on California roadway and erupt into flames

Who was Terry Barker?

While authorities have not publicly identified any of those killed in the collision, Keller Mayor Armin Mizani identified one of the six people who died. He wrote in a tribute, "Keller is grieving as we have come to learn that husband, father, Army veteran, and former Keller City Councilman Terry Barker was one of the victims of the tragic crash at the Dallas Air Show. Terry Barker was beloved by many. He was a friend and someone whose guidance I often sought. Even after retiring from serving on the City Council and flying for American Airlines, his love for community was unmistakable. Yesterday he was flying to honor the greatest generation. Today, the Field of Honor in front of Keller Town Hall will remain standing an additional week in his honor."

John Baker, a former American Airlines colleague of Barker, told Spokesman that they both were based out of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and were tech airmen instructor pilots conducting training until Barker retired two years ago after serving 36 years with the airline. "He was really an enthusiast of aviation,” he said and added that after his retirement, Barker got into the commemorative air force and flying the B-17. “He had great people skills and communication skills. He also had a great sense of humor and was very professional," Baker described.