Just moments after this formation-flight photo was taken, the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter—second from the right, with the red tail—collided with the XB-70A and sheared off both its vertical stabilizers. The XB-70A’s co-pilot, Carl Cross, was killed, as was the F-104’s pilot, NASA Chief Test Pilot Joe Walker. The XB-70A’s pilot, Al White, managed to eject and survived with major injuries.and Northrop YF-5A-NO S/N 59-4989. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Formation flying is not something you want to do on a whim. Doing it properly requires planning and proper procedures.
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