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Dallas air crash: Conspiracy theorists float 'medical episode' theory, claim tragedy was 'intentional'

Many people on social media claim the P-63 aircraft pilot either encountered a 'medical episode' or the crash was 'intentional'

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

DALLAS, TEXAS: A P-63 aircraft and a B-17 heavy bomber clashed and crashed on November 12 at an air show in Dallas, Texas. Over 40 World War II-era aircraft were on display at the ‘America's Premier World War II Airshow’ over Veterans Day weekend. After several clips from different angles of the crash were posted on social media platforms, many conspiracy trolls are claiming that the P-63 aircraft pilot either encountered a 'medical episode' or the crash was 'intentional'. 

One such user wrote on Twitter, “Is it just me or did it look like the smaller plane was purposely heading for the bomber??” “That literally looked like a suicide, like he was aiming straight for the B-17. As if he did it on purpose,” another added. Someone wrote, “Barring a medical emergency in progress, I hate to say it, but that looked like an intentional ramming attack. The angle of approach of the P-63 fighter plane was way too steep and in unreasonably close proximity for airshow maneuvers. Dear Lord... Please bless their loved ones.”

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“These do happen and there is not gonna be an motive. It's possible the 63 pilot had a health problem before the wreck but they will never know. the pilots and crew of those planes knew each other and were based at the same place and flew together all the time,” another user remarked. Meanwhile, earlier, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement, "A Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and a Bell P-63 Kingcobra collided and crashed at the Wings Over Dallas Airshow at Dallas Executive Airport in Texas around 1:20 pm local time Saturday. At this time, it is unknown how many people were on both aircraft." The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board said that they are currently investigating the incident.

However, later, the Allied Pilots Association identified former members Terry Barker and Len Root, who are both parts of the B-17 crew, among the deceased. “We are saddened to report that former APA members CA Terry Barker and CA Len Root were among the crew members lost on B-17 Flying Fortress during the Wings Over Dallas airshow today. Our hearts go out to their families, friends, and colleagues past and present,” the Allied Pilots Association said in a statement. According to Daily Mail, a total of six people are feared to be dead in the collision. 

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson tweeted that there were still many unresolved issues about the incident and called it a ‘terrible tragedy in our city.’ He wrote, “As many of you have now seen, we have had a terrible tragedy in our city today during an airshow. Many details remain unknown or unconfirmed at this time. The @NTSB has taken command of the crash scene with @DallasPD and @DallasFireRes_q continuing to provide support. The videos are heartbreaking. Please, say a prayer for the souls who took to the sky to entertain and educate our families today.”