Air Force Identifies Pilots in Fatal T-38 Crash Near Del Rio

UPDATE 11/15/18 8:30 a.m.  Officials at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio have identified the pilots in the fatal crash Tuesday.  According to the Laughlin Facebook page, 

The members involved in the T-38 Talon incident from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, on Nov. 13, 2018, have been identified.

The deceased, Capt. John F. Graziano, 28, was an instructor pilot with the 87th Flying Training Squadron at Laughlin AFB. He was from Elkridge, Maryland and is survived by his mother, father, sisters and brother.

Injured was Capt. Mark S. Palyok, an instructor pilot, also with the 87th FTS. He was transported to Val Verde Regional Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries. He was treated and released Nov.14.

“Knowing how everyone is effected by this tragedy, my immediate concern is making sure that every member of our Laughlin family is okay,” said Col. Lee Gentile, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. “Together, we are Laughlin and now is the time that we stand together to take care of one another.” The incident occurred at about 7:40 p.m. on Laughlin.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

“Our investigators are doing everything possible to ensure they investigate this incident to the fullest.” said Gentile.

The 87th Flying Training Squadron prepares student pilots and Airmen for multi-domain operations. It conducts specialized undergraduate pilot training for the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and allied nation’s air forces.

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, TX -- One pilot is dead, and one was transferred to Val Verde Regional Medical Center when an Air Force T-38C Talon assigned to Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, crashed at approximately 7:40 p.m. Tuesday on base.

According to 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs, Laughlin emergency responders were on scene.

The names of the pilots are being withheld for next of kin notification.

A board of officers will convene to investigate the incident.

This is a developing story.