Man killed in vintage-plane crash was pilot in WWII

FREDERICKSBURG, Texas —

The 93-year-old passenger who was killed when a World War Ii-era fighter aircraft crashed in South Texas had been a WWII pilot, according to group that arranges fighter plane rides for veterans.

The P-51D Mustang had just participated in a flyby Saturday when it crashed in Fredericksburg, about 70 miles north of San Antonio. The pilot was also killed.

Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Orlando Moreno on Monday identified the pilot as 73-year-old Cowden Ward Jr. of Burnet and his passenger as Vincent Losada, 93, of San Antonio.

Freedom Flyers posted on Facebook that Ward was flying an “honored passenger, a WWII B17 pilot,” when he crashed. Ward was the founder of Freedom Flyers and often flew veterans in his plane, which was deployed in World War II and the Korean War, the group said.

Ward’s plane was taking part in ceremonies organized by the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg. The day included a battle re-enactment showcasing WWII equipment and weapons.

Chris Arntz, an Army veteran who attended the program with his wife and daughter, said Ward’s plane had just flown over the crowd when it appeared to nose dive.

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.