F-104 Starfighter and XB-70 Valkyrie Collision
During a photo shoot near Edwards Air Force Base, an F-104 Starfighter collided with XB-70 Valkyrie prototype no. 2, leading to the destruction of both aircraft. The incident resulted in the fatalities of NASA test pilot Joseph A. Walker and USAF test pilot Carl Cross, highlighting the risks associated with experimental aviation and flight testing. This catastrophic event underscored the inherent dangers in aerospace testing during the Cold War era.
Both aircraft were destroyed in the collision.
Joseph A. Walker was a NASA test pilot.
Carl Cross served in the USAF as a test pilot.
The incident raised awareness about flight safety.
What Happened?
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.
Why Does it Matter?
This collision remains significant in the annals of aerospace history, emphasizing the risks faced by test pilots working on cutting-edge aviation technology. It served as a catalyst for revisiting safety protocols and operational procedures during flight tests, particularly with multiple aircraft in close proximity. The tragic loss of two highly experienced pilots also highlighted the human cost associated with technological advancement in aviation during a period marked by the Cold War's influence on technological competition. Such incidents compelled organizations like NASA and the U.S. Air Force to reinforce their focus on safety and operational effectiveness in future test flights.