A T-38C Talon, assigned to the 87th Flying Training Squadron, gently touches down on one of the wing's runways after a formation flight at Laughlin Air Force Base. The T-38 is the training aircraft used to teach student pilots the basics of flying. and students typically go on to fly fighter or bomber aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin N. Valmoja)

NEWS — Laughlin pilot dies

The following news release was just released from Laughlin Air Force Base.

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LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – One pilot was killed and two pilots injured during a mishap involving two T-38C Talon trainer aircraft here at approximately 10:00 a.m. Nov. 19.
One of the injured pilots was transported to Val Verde Regional Medical Center in Del Rio, Texas, where they were treated and released. The other pilot is in critical condition and was evacuated by air to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.
“Losing teammates is unbelievably painful and it is with a heavy heart I express my sincere condolences,” said Col. Craig Prather, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. “Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with our pilots involved in this mishap and their families.”
The names of all the pilots involved are being withheld until 24 hours after the next of kin notification has been made.
An investigation into the mishap is still ongoing.
Please follow our social media for additional updates. Additional questions should be directed to the 47th FTW Public Affairs office at (830) 298-5262.
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“Laughlin is always a key part of our community,” said Val Verde County Judge Louis Owens. “We will stand with them as they go through this very difficult time.”
Below is the story we provided at 11 a.m.

At about 10 a.m. Friday, two T-38s collided while still on the runway at Laughlin Air Force Base, located approximately 10 miles west of Del Rio. There were three crew members in the two aircraft. One was flown to higher level medical care in San Antonio while the other two are being treated locally.

Few details are available at this time. Laughlin public affairs released the following statement about 30 minutes after the incident.

“LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — At approximately 10:00 a.m., an aircraft accident involving two aircraft took place on the runway. We will release more information as it becomes available.”

Friday’s accident was the second major accident on or near the pilot training base this week. On Monday, the base’s North Gate was shut down temporarily after a train collided with a truck transporting jet fuel. The accident created a large fire and forced traffic to be diverted to the base’s West Gate.

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Contact the writer at joelalangton@gmail.com

Joel Langton

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