Dallas Airshow Tragedy Creates Moment To Educate, Honor

Capt. Terry Barker, who was killed during the Wings Over Dallas accident Saturday, was known by colleagues as a conscientious leader and passionate pilot.

Les Abend

Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 01:43 PM ET

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Capt. Terry Barker was aboard the B-17 "Texas Raiders," seen here at the Austin Warbird Expo in July 2022. [Courtesy: Commemorative Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

The article pays tribute to Capt. Terry Barker, an Army veteran and highly esteemed American Airlines check airman, who was among the six fatalities in the recent midair collision at the Dallas airshow.
It highlights Capt. Barker's exemplary career, leadership, and profound passion for aviation, emphasizing his dedication to the mission of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF).
The author reflects on the inherent risks involved in operating vintage aircraft for historical preservation and public display, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining proficiency for such operations.
Despite the tragic event, the piece advocates for the continued flying of these historical machines to honor those lost and ensure the CAF's mission to educate, inspire, and preserve aviation history.

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Watching a visceral image of an airplane crash is always disturbing, but realizing that a former colleague was part of the wreckage is exceptionally difficult to process.

The midair collision of a Bell P-63 Kingcobra and the Boeing B-17 Texas Raiders at the Dallas Executive Airport (KRBD), just south of Dallas Love Field, became this past weekend’s news media spectacle. Tragically, six people dedicated to the mission of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) lost their lives on board the two aircraft.