By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
Andy Travnicek, a former Laughlin instructor pilot, was killed in a plane crash in Pennsylvania Friday at 12:31 p.m.
The GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team said Travnicek was killed Friday afternoon when his plane crashed seconds after departure from Wilkes-Barre Scranton Airport in Avoca, Pa.
Travnicek and his wife Sandy were both lieutenant colonels at Laughlin and served here from 2008 until their retirement in 2013. After retiring from the Air Force, the couple moved to New Hampshire. Andy flew with an airline and also flew with the GEICO Skytypers Air Show team when his schedule allowed.
The news of his death rocked the flying world. Saturday, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flew the missing man formation in his memory at the Pocono Air Show where Travnicek was going to perform. Narrating the flyover was another former Laughlin member, Maj. Jason Markzon, known as #8 on the Thunderbird team.
The Thunderbirds released the following statement about Travnicek, “He was a phenomenal pilot and friend,” the Thunderbirds said.
Travnicek’s former operations group commander, Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, posted to his official page remembering Travnicek.
“I am deeply saddened to forward the news of the loss of Andy Travnicek in an aircraft accident Friday. Andy was an incredibly warm and good human being, beloved by his family and friends. He served our Air Force and our nation with distinction for decades. Among his many professional achievements, he was a magnificent instructor pilot in 19th Air Force for many years. In this capacity, he shaped the lives and futures of thousands of Airmen. He was as good a pilot and officer as our Air Force has ever produced. More importantly, he was one of the finest human beings on the planet. I’m proud to have known him. We offer our sincere condolences to Trav’s family and friends. RIP Andy, Blue Skies,” Wills wrote.
—
Contact the author at joelalangton@gmail.com
