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 is a tribute to Capt. Terry Barker, a distinguished airline pilot, and five other Commemorative Air Force members who tragically died in the Dallas airshow midair collision.
It highlights Capt. Barker's exemplary career as an American Airlines captain and check airman, his leadership qualities, and his profound passion for aviation, including building and restoring aircraft.
While acknowledging the inherent risks of operating vintage airplanes, the author advocates for their continued flight to educate, inspire, and honor history, arguing that grounding them would marginalize the dedication of those lost.

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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.