![](https://supersabresociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Lockheed-F-104N-N813NA-collides-with-North-American-Aviation-XB-70A-Valkyrie-62-0207-8-June-1966-300x213.jpg)
On June 8, 1966, during a publicity photo formation, an F-104N Starfighter (N813NA) flown by NASA Chief Research Test Pilot Joseph A. Walker, was caught in the wingtip vortices of the North American Aviation XB-70A-2 Valkyrie, 62-0207.
The Starfighter rolled up and across the Valkyrie. The two airplanes collided, with the F-104 taking off the Valkyrie’s vertical fins, then exploding. The Valkyrie continued to fly straight and level for 16 seconds before it began to roll inverted. The B-70’s pilot, Alvin S. White, was able to eject, though he was severely injured. Joe Walker and B-70 co-pilot Major Carl S. Cross, United States Air Force were killed.
Source: This Day in Aviation History by Bryan R. Swopes.