By Senior Airman John Parie, 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs / Published April 24, 2008

The U.S. flag at Scott Harpe Complex on Columbus Air Force Base flew at half-staff Thursday in memory of the two pilots lost in Wednesday's T-38C crash on base. Maj. Blair Faulkner and 2nd Lt. Matthew Emmons died when the plane they were piloting crashed on initial takeoff about 12:30 p.m. April 23. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman John Parie)

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COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Two Columbus Air Force Base pilots died Wednesday when a Columbus AFB T-38C crashed on initial takeoff at approximately 12:30 p.m. on base.

Major Blair Faulkner, 43rd Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, and 2nd Lt. Matthew Emmons, Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 08-14, were both fatally injured in the crash.

"This is a difficult time for the BLAZE team," remarked Col David Gerber, 14th Flying Training Wing Commander. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and squadrons of the pilots."

The last Columbus AFB aircraft related fatality was 24 years ago, on March 21, 1984. There have been six aircraft accidents since then, three of which involved T-38s.

An Air Force safety investigation board of officers has been convened to investigate the accident.

Additional details will be provided as they become available.

