FAA releases air traffic control recording of air show collision

DALLAS, Texas — The Federal Aviation Administration launched a 36-minute audio clip on Thursday containing air traffic control directions main as much as the lethal ‘Wings Over Dallas’ mid-air crash that claimed the lives of six and the panic that adopted contained in the tower when two World War II-era planes went down. 

In the recording, you’ll be able to hear the show’s air boss or director organizing a number of plane and giving directions because the show performs out. 

An air boss is answerable for guiding pilots safely via the show, giving them directions about runways, taxiways and the demonstration space close to spectators. 

Just earlier than the Nov. 12 mid-air crash, which included a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and a Bell P-63 Kingcobra, the air boss tells the fighter formation, which included the P-63, to fly alongside the 500-foot spectator line. 

He then instructs the bomber formation, which included the B-17, to fly alongside the 1000-foot spectator line. 

No altitude recommendation is given earlier than these directions, all echoing what the NTSB has already launched in its preliminary report. 

“Nice job fighters. You’re coming via first, that can work out. B-17 and all of the bombers on the 1,000-foot line,” the air boss is heard saying. 

The air boss can then be heard asking somebody within the B-17 formation if they will see the fighters. 

“B-17 you got the fighters in front of you off your left?” the air boss is heard saying. 

“Yes,” somebody on the transmission is heard saying. 

“Fighters will likely be a giant pull up and to the proper,” the air boss then says. 

That’s the final communication heard earlier than the air boss acknowledges one thing is mistaken. 

At 1:21 p.m. the P-63 and B-17 collide, killing Terry Barker, Craig Hutain, Kevin Michels, Dan Ragan, Leonard Root and Curt Rowe.  

The air boss says ‘knock it off’ a number of occasions earlier than requesting emergency vans. 

‘Knock it off’ is a time period used to direct all plane to stop maneuvering when the security of flight is an element.

“Knock it off! Knock it off! Roll the trucks! Roll the trucks! Roll the trucks! Knock it off! Roll the trucks!” the air boss frantically yells. 

He then diverts planes away from the crash. 

“Thank you very much. B-24, right turn! B-24, right turn and follow! Fighters you go right there–stay right where you are. Left turn, fighters! Left turn! Knock it off! Roll the trucks! Roll the trucks! Let’s go! Roll the trucks!” he is heard saying. 

The trigger of the crash continues to be below investigation. A full report is probably not accomplished till 2024.