“This is not about the aircraft. It’s just not,” Coates claimed. “I can tell you the aircraft are great aircraft, they’re safe. They’re very well-maintained. The pilots are very well-trained. So, it’s difficult for me to talk about it, because I know all these people, these are family, and they’re good friends.”
FAA and NTSB investigate
The Allied Pilots Association which represents American Airlines pilots identified two retired pilots and former union members as among those killed.
Terry Barker and Len Root were both on the crew of the ill-fated B-17 Flying Fortress when it went down.
“Our hearts go out to their families, friends, and colleagues past and present,” the APA tweeted. The APA is offering professional counseling services at their headquarters in Fort Worth following the incident.”
The last day of the Wings Over Dallas event was canceled.
Members of the National Transportation Safety Board’s to-go team arrived at the scene Sunday to investigate the crash.
