The collision between the F-104 Starfighter and XB-70 Valkyrie prototype no. 2 occurred during a photo shoot intended to capture imagery of the advanced aircraft in flight over Edwards Air Force Base in California. The photoshoot involved a number of aircraft, which were part of an extensive program showcasing aerial capabilities. The F-104 Starfighter, a single-engine supersonic interceptor aircraft designed by Lockheed, was known for its high speed and agility, while the XB-70, a large, six-engine supersonic bomber prototype developed by North American Aviation, was among the most ambitious projects of its time, embodying the quest for advanced aerodynamics and speed.On that day, as the F-104 maneuvered close to the XB-70 to fulfill the photographic documentation requirement, the two aircraft collided. Both pilots, Joseph A. Walker, known for his contributions to rocket and aviation testing as a NASA test pilot, and Carl Cross, a skilled test pilot with the United States Air Force, lost their lives in this tragic incident. The impact was devastating, not only destroying both aircraft but also drawing attention to the inherent hazards associated with flight-testing experimental aircraft near one another. The event stood as a tragic reminder of the pressures of aerospace innovation during a time characterized by rapid advancements in military and civilian aviation technology.