The Cold War led to the development of many experimental and production aircraft that could reach incredible speeds. Think of Mach 3-capable interceptors like the MiG-25 Foxbat, spy planes like the SR-71 Blackbird, and even bombers. One such bomber was the North American XB-70 Valkyrie. However, the XB-70 never went into full production. In 1966, during a formation flight with other planes, an XB-70 was involved in a mid-air collision with an F-104 Starfighter.
The tragic mid-air collision between an XB-70 Valkyrie and an F-104 Starfighter over California’s high desert near Edwards Air Force Base occurred in June 8, 1966. The XB-70 and F-104 were part of a formation flight intended for a photoshoot when the accident happened. This mid-air collision resulted in the loss of two aircraft and the lives of two pilots.
The Planes
The XB-70 Valkyrie was an experimental supersonic bomber developed by North American Aviation for the United States Air Force. Designed to fly at speeds of Mach 3 and altitudes of 70,000 feet, the XB-70 aimed to outrun enemy defenses. Its unique design featured six powerful engines and a large delta wing, making the XB-70 a feat of engineering during its time.
The F-104 Starfighter was a supersonic interceptor aircraft developed by Lockheed. Known for its sleek and slender design, the F-104 could reach speeds exceeding Mach 2. It was used by several air forces around the world and was often employed in testing and research due to its high performance capabilities.
Photoshoot
On that fateful day, a formation consisting of an F-4B Phantom, a YF-5A Freedom Fighter, a Lockheed F-104N Starfighter, and a T-38A Talon assembled around the XB-70. The photo chase aircraft was a Learjet owned by singer Frank Sinatra. Joe Walker, a renowned test pilot who had flown the X-15 rocket plane and the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle, piloted the F-104 just off the XB-70’s right wing.
Without warning, the F-104 was suddenly drawn toward the XB-70, leading to a catastrophic mid-air collision. The F-104 clipped the right wingtip of the XB-70, rolled over, struck the right vertical fin, sheared off most of the left vertical fin, and exploded upon impact. Joe Walker died instantly as his F-104 disintegrated. The XB-70 continued to fly straight and level for 16 seconds before entering an uncontrollable roll and descent.
As the XB-70 spiraled downward, chase pilots urged the crew to eject. Al White, the North American Aviation pilot flying the XB-70, managed to eject but suffered severe injuries. Air Force Major Carl Cross, the co-pilot, was unable to escape and perished in the crash. The mid-air collision between the XB-70 and F-104 marked a devastating moment in aviation history.
Investigators concluded that the wake vortex from the XB-70’s wingtips caused the F-104 to roll uncontrollably into the bomber. At the time, little was known about wake vortices—powerful air currents trailing from an aircraft’s wingtips. This mid-air collision highlighted the dangers of wake turbulence and led to increased awareness and research on the phenomenon.
Despite the loss, the remaining XB-70 continued to fly and was used for sonic boom research until the cancellation of the supersonic transport program. In early 1969, NASA research pilot Fitzhugh Fulton and Air Force Lt. Col. Emil “Ted” Sturmthal flew the surviving XB-70 to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Today, it remains on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
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