On the Record: Beech A36

Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 09:57 PM ET

Verified

The National Transportation Safety Board is sifting through wreckage of two World War II-era aircraft that collided midair during the Wings Over Dallas airshow on Saturday.

Key Takeaways:

The accident resulted from the pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control in instrument meteorological conditions, likely aggravated by his recent transition to a more complex aircraft and avionics.
Air traffic control (ATC) actions contributed significantly, including a delayed recognition of the pilot's disorientation and inappropriate "no-gyro" vectors that likely exacerbated the situation.
Deficiencies in FAA air traffic control training on emergency recognition and handling, specifically for spatial disorientation and specialized vectoring techniques, were identified as a contributing factor to the accident.