This was during the air show, so no passengers permitted. Further… the air space is closed during an air show, because pilots may not be able to see and avoid.
Because it was an air show, no planes were permitted up unless directed by the Air Show Air Boss. Also every move of the aircraft was controlled by the Air Show Air Boss.
These planes were not just out doing their own thing. They had to be directed from the ground. Someone called that P63 into that position and the pilots have to comply with the instruction unless they see a conflict. A call for a break off.
Neither pilot saw each other and the controller could not comprehend the poor visibility of the P63 especially in that left banked turn. The KingCobra complied with the instruction and wow… what an awful tragedy.
Neither crew knew what happened. These crew members were really great pilots and very nice people. I knew all of them.
I must say, when I saw it, it had the same effect as watching the second 9/11 plane crashing into the towers… it was that shocking.
RIP… very sad.