Originally Posted by
Flying Binghi
Looks to be a strong possibility. Looking at the satellite view of the likely “background” the P-63 driver would have seen behind the B-17 shows a dark green wooded area.
That is one of the hazards of flying these aircraft close to the ground. They are designed not to be seen. However, it's not the not seeing that's the problem in my opinion. Aircraft of differing speeds and routines should be separated by altitude and distance. If that is maintained, then there is no opportunity for collision. Like all accidents there will be multiple things at play here that all conspired to cause the conflict.