Salute!
The plane was amazing, but it had passed its best time to be a good threat to opposing folks.
The mid air was a pure and simple pilot factor when getting too close to a big plane that is generating a strong tip vortex. This phenomena was not well studied when then accident happened. Later in life I checked out the vortex on numerous tankers. Was like surfing, as you got further in trail you needed more and more counter aileron. My fuel flow went down maybe 20% or more, but took a lotta concentration.
BTW, the carriers have been talking bout trailing a guy across the ocean to use the vortex and save gas. Gotta love it. Maybe they should fly like the geese during migration.
Secondly, the wing tip config was sensitive, and when I was at a briefing back in 61, we were cautioned about not discussing it.
Gums sends...