Sheppard Air Force Base: Deadly T-38 Crash

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Sheppard Air Force Base: Deadly T-38 Crash

News1 KAUZ

Story Created: May 1, 2008 at 3:01 PM CST

Story Updated: May 1, 2008 at 6:05 PM CST

Two American Pilots are dead after their T-38C Talon crashed this morning at Sheppard Air Force Base.

Officials say the jet crashed around 7:45 this morning on the runway. The pilots were part of the 80Th Flying Training Wing. Were told they were attempting to land, but no word on what exactly caused this deadly accident.

SAFB Director of Public Affairs George Woodward said both are U.S.A.F. pilots. One was a student and the other was an instructor pilot. Woodward also says the crash scene is shut off and secured.

" We secure the scene to ensure the safety of the airfield and to make sure the sight is prepared for investigative team to come and start collecting information." said Woodward.

Officials are asking witnesses to come forward with anything they saw or heard. Please contact the 80Th Flying Training Wing at (940) 676-1601.

The names have not been released. Air Force policy is to withhold the names for 24 hours, until both families are notified.

Officials at Sheppard Air Force Base also ask the community keep these families in your thoughts and prayers.

They have also established a family assistance center at Sheppard's South Chapel to provide support and counseling to everyone impacted by this tragedy.

Thursday, May 1 at 3:41 PM A Pilot's Mom wrote ...

My son is an instructor pilot at Sheppard. He has called me to tell me he is okay. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of these courageous young men.

Friday, May 2 at 8:54 AM Natalie wrote ...

Our thoughts and prayers are with them...as, we just experience a similar incident at Columbus Air Force Base just last week.

Friday, May 2 at 10:50 AM Fellow Air Force Cadet wrote ...

The student pilot involved in this crash was one of the best cadets and men that I have ever met. He was the definition of leadership, patriotism, and discipline. He was going to take our Air Force to new levels and he certainly had much more to give. He will be missed. Please keep both his family and friends in your prayers.

Friday, May 2 at 1:13 PM Alfred Sr. & Francisca Velasquez wrote ...

I am a disabled veteran of a military conflict as well as a parent of a T-38C Talon instructor at Sheppard. I have had the privilege of meeting a few pilots through my son and feel as though we have all become a big military family. These incidents are hard to forget. My prayers for the families and friends of these young men.

Friday, May 2 at 8:10 PM Joyce wrote ...

My son also is a student pilot at Sheppard. He called to tell me he is ok, but this is still so difficult to handle. My heart goes out to the families and friends of both pilots, and all are in my prayers. May God comfort you.

Sunday, May 4 at 1:40 PM Mary Ann Bullocfk wrote ...

We have been blessed to know many fine Air Force Pilots. They are the best of the best! They would tell you they died doing what they loved! But for the families left behind may God Bless You and may He hold you close and provide comfort at this very difficult time! An Air Force Instructor's Pilot's mother

Wednesday, May 7 at 8:35 PM ENJJPT Pilot Parents wrote ...

Our hearts are broken for the lost pilots' families. We are in prayer for them daily.

Wednesday, May 7 at 8:42 PM Fighter Mechanic wrote ...

As a fighter mechanic, I can tell you that these things happen, and that the weapons platforms that we use to train, fight and win are nothing more than machines. Machines dont always work as planned. This tradgedy is a reminder that the men and women of the armed forces put themselves in harms way on a daily basis, even during training, to ensure our freedoms and way of life. I would like to send comfort out to the pilots, maintenence personnel and all the families. I will keep you in prayer!

Thursday, May 8 at 6:08 AM Another Pilot's mom wrote ...

My son is also a T38 instructor at Laughlin Air Force Base. My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones both at Sheppard AFB and Columbus AFB. My prayers are with your families.

Thursday, May 8 at 8:12 PM A New Pilots Mom wrote ...

My son just graduated from Laughlin AFB pilot program. We were able to attend the graduation events and witness first hand the dedication and commitment the Air Force has to training the best pilots in the world. We were also able to meet many of the new pilots. Our prayers are with the families of the training pilot and his instructor that passed away in the tragic accidents recently We will continue to pray daily for all the pilots. Thank you for what you do for our country. God Bless!

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