Aweful 

That is terrible! ?

Not a good year for air shows this year. This accident, the jet semi here in Michigan, and I feel like there was another crash somewhere else. 
 

I just wonder how something like this happens.

Sadly the P-63 was carrying too much speed and bank angle to ever even see the B17.    The P-63 pilot was a current American Airlines pilot so he was experienced.     

 

Going further they need to better define and maintain distances, obviously this could have been avoided.

 

RIP to all those who were lost, at least they went very quick.   

So sad.

RIP aviator's.

May all those involved have peace.

I’m wondering if the P-63 pilot had a heart attack or some other kind of health issue that debilitated him enough to cause the collision. Sad day for aviation.

by my eye  (i'm no pilot, just a recovering  flight sim addict)  the p63  lost situational awareness, and  couldn't see the b17.  he was in a left bank,  probably looking for his flight leader to his left, and the descent, relative speed, and bank angle all combined to create a horrible tragedy. i would also guess (of course i don't actually know) that the air boss also shares some responsibility.

 

edit: if you look up the p63, the cockpit has poor visibility, and it wasn't the most maneuverable plane, even when it was current.