U.S. Air Force Pilot Dies After Ejector Seat Activates While Plane Is Still on Ground

Capt. John Robertson died after the ejection seat of his T-6A Texan II aircraft "activated during ground operations"

A U.S. Air Force instructor pilot has died after his ejector seat activated while his plane was still on the ground.

On Tuesday, May 14, Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita County, Texas shared a press release confirming Capt. John Robertson of the 80th Operations Support Squadron had died in the early hours of the morning after being injured in the incident the day prior.

"Captain Robertson was severely injured when the ejection seat of the T-6A Texan II aircraft he was in activated during ground operations," the release shared on Facebook stated, referencing the single-engine, two-seat trainer Robertson was in.

"This is a devastating loss for Captain Robertson's family and loved ones, and for the entire 80th Flying Training Wing," acting wing commander Col. Mitchell J. Cok said.

"Captain Robertson was a highly valued Airman and instructor pilot. Our deepest condolences go with all who knew and loved him," he added.

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Cok thanked 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," he said in the release.

"Their efforts allowed time for Captain Robertson's family to be at his side when he passed," Cok concluded.

An interim safety board investigation is currently underway, "and a full Air Force Safety Investigation Board is expected to be in place later this week," the release stated, adding that "the board will release its report when the investigation is complete."

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Sheppard Air Force Base is located five miles north of Wichita Falls. Per its website, the training base was established in 1941 and "is the most diverse training installation for the Air Force, providing technically trained airmen as well as combat pilots for the Nato Alliance."

"Named in honor of Senator Morris Sheppard, former chairman of the Senate Military Affairs Committee, Sheppard Air Force Base was activated Oct. 17, 1941, and provided aircrew and aircraft mechanics training during World War II," a description read. 

"Today, Sheppard is the largest and most diverse training base in Air Education and Training Command--the only Air Force base that is home to both technical and flying training," it added.

Sheppard Air Force Base didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE.

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