Supersonic jet crash at Laughlin Air Force Base in southern Texas kills pilot
A T-38C Talon supersonic jet crashed Tuesday night at Laughlin Air Force Base in southern Texas, killing one pilot and sending a second to a hospital, the base said.
CBS San Antonio affiliate KENS-TV said the pilot who died was Capt. John F. Graziano, 28. He was an instructor pilot with the 87th Flying Training Squadron at the base. KENS-TV said he was from Elkridge, Maryland, and is survived by his mother, father, sisters and brother.
The base confirmed the other victim was Capt. Mark S. Palyok, also an instructor pilot with the 87th Flying Training Squadron.
The Air Force website describes the Talon as a "twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles," including preparing pilots "for front-line fighter and bomber aircraft."
The base said a board of officers will be convened to investigate the cause of the crash.
KENS-TV notes the base is located some 150 miles west of San Antonio, near the city of Del Rio and the Mexican border.
