UPDATED: Sheppard AFB identifies pilot who died after ejection

Trish Choate and Lynn Walker, Wichita Falls Times Record News
Updated ·2 min read
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A Sheppard Air Force Base instructor-pilot died early Tuesday morning from injuries suffered when an ejection occurred, according to base officials.

The Air Force identified him as Capt. John Robertson of the 80th Operations Support Squadron.

Robertson was severely injured about 2 p.m. Monday when the ejection seat of the T-6A Texan II aircraft he was in activated during ground operations.

A T-6A Texan II waits for another T-6A to pass before taxing onto the runway Nov. 1, 2017, at Sheppard Air Force Base. The 80th Flying Training Wing hosts the world’s only internationally manned and managed pilot training program in addition to operating the Air Force’s second busiest joint-use airfield outside of a combat zone.
A T-6A Texan II waits for another T-6A to pass before taxing onto the runway Nov. 1, 2017, at Sheppard Air Force Base. The 80th Flying Training Wing hosts the world’s only internationally manned and managed pilot training program in addition to operating the Air Force’s second busiest joint-use airfield outside of a combat zone.

“This is a devastating loss for Captain Robertson’s family and loved ones, and for the entire 80th Flying Training Wing,” said Col. Mitchell J. Cok, the acting wing commander. “Captain Robertson was a highly valued Airman and instructor pilot. Our deepest condolences go with all who knew and loved him.”

Cok also expressed gratitude for those who responded to the incident.

“We are thankful for the M1 maintenance team who immediately provided live-sustaining care, and for the heroic efforts of the security forces, fire and medical personnel here on base and at United Regional Hospital. Their efforts allowed time for Captain Robertson’s family to be at his side when he passed," Cok said.

Robertson was transported to United Regional Health Care System in Wichita Falls for treatment after he was injured Monday.

Public affairs officials with the 82nd Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base have released statements about an ejection that occurred Monday.
Public affairs officials with the 82nd Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base have released statements about an ejection that occurred Monday.

An interim safety board investigation was convened immediately following the incident, and a full Air Force Safety Investigation Board is expected to be in place later this week. The board will release its report when the investigation is complete.

About the 80th FTW and ENJJPT

The 80th FTW conducts the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program at SAFB, according to the base website. Combat pilots for NATO are trained in the multinational program, the only such program in the world.

About the aircraft

The primary function of the T-6A Texan II is for entry-level training, and it is equipped for a crew of two, a student-pilot and an instructor-pilot seated one in front of the other, according to the base website.

Their positions are interchangeable. But an air crewmember can also pilot the plane alone from the front seat. The single-engine aircraft was designed to train students in basic flying skills for Air Force and Navy pilots.

More: Sheppard AFB: Aircrew member injured when ejection occurred

Trish Choate is serving as the interim editor for the Wichita Falls Times Record News, San Angelo Standard-Times and Abilene Reporter-News. Contact Trish with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Read her recent work here. Her X handle is @Trishapedia.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Sheppard AFB identifies pilot who died after ejection