Laughlin AFB suspends flying after jet crash kills one pilot, injures another

TUESDAY UPDATE:

Laughlin Air Force Base has suspended flying through the Thanksgiving weekend after a jet crash Monday killed one pilot and injured another.

"Our community has suffered the irreplaceable loss of one of our pilots," said Col. Charlie Velino, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, in a news release Tuesday. "The immediate concern is to provide support and love to his family, friends and colleagues. Our Airmen and their families are incredibly important to us and our top priority. For now, we will focus inward to make sure that our base community rallies around those who are suffering and need our support."

"During this Thanksgiving season, there is value in remembering the debt that we all owe to the brave men and women who serve in the military," said Velino. " The pilots who train at this base are truly the tip of the spear in securing our national defense, and we are grateful for their choice to serve in that pivotal capacity."

MONDAY'S STORY:

One pilot died and the other was taken to Val Verde Regional Medical Center after their military aircraft crashed near Del Rio on Monday afternoon.

The T-38 Talon crashed about 4 p.m. about 14 miles northwest of the base, near Lake Amistad, the base stated in a news release.

The names of the pilots are being withheld until next of kin are notified.

"Our biggest priority at this time is caring for the family and friends of our Airmen," said Col. Michelle Pryor, 47th Flying Training Wing vice commander. "We are a close knit family, and when a tragedy like this occurs every member of the U.S. Armed Forces feels it. Our people take top priority, and we are committed to ensuring their safety and security."

A board of officers will convene to investigate the incident, the release stated.

According to the Del Rio News-Herald, witnesses said they saw someone parachute away from the crash.

A T-38 Talon is "a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles because of its design, economy of operations, ease of maintenance, high performance and exceptional safety record," according to the Air Force's website.

The site further states: "Air Education and Training Command uses the T-38C to prepare pilots for front-line fighter and bomber aircraft."

The T-38 has a crew of two: a student and instructor