Actually, if anything, the P-63 should have *better* forward visibility than a typical WWII fighter, as the engine is behind the pilot and thus doesn't block the view.I understand the P-63 has poor visibility due to the unusual engine placement, but I have no personal knowledge. I think the simple reality is hat these air shows are inherently dangerous.
I have never even seen a P-63 outside of a book. I will have to see how the pilot position might differ due to the placement of the engine, but generally what you are saying seems cogent.visibility is affected by other factors as well, such as the size and positioning of the windows.
... like the P-63 did not anticipate the B-17 to be there so he wouldn't be looking for it? There is a comment on another forum that suggests the fighters were using a higher altitude and the bombers a lower altitude with the option for the fighters to join the bomber level when it was clear. The commenter goes on to state the AirBoss, believing the bombers were clear of runway centerline, cleared the fighters to enter the bomber altitude block which enabled the P-63 to look into the turn for the centerline instead of at the B-17. And given there was no apparent last minute evasive maneuver by the P-63 on the videos, I would think that narrative could be true in that the P-63 never saw it.However, visibility is affected by other factors as well,
Very good article.First hand eye-witness account to this tragedy at Air Facts - https://airfactsjournal.com/2022/11...w-tragedy-an-eyewitness-account-from-a-pilot/