Air Force pilot dies when ejection seat explodes on ground

An Air Force flight instructor died when the ejection seat on his plane deployed during a ground mission, officials said.

The incident occurred Monday at Sheppard Air Force Base near Wichita Falls, Texas, when Captain John Robertson of the 80th Operations Support Squadron was suddenly ejected from the aircraft during ground operations aboard a T-6A Texan II, suffering serious injuries, according to a statement from Sheppard Air Force Base released Tuesday about the incident.

Air Force officials said Robertson died early Tuesday morning from injuries sustained in the accident.

“This is a devastating loss for Captain Robertson’s family and loved ones, as well as the entire 80th Flying Training Wing,” said Col. Mitchell J. Cok, acting wing commander. “Captain Robertson was a highly valued aviator and flight instructor. Our deepest condolences go out to all who knew and loved him.”

According to Sheppard Air Force Base, a preliminary safety board investigation was convened immediately after the incident, and a “full Air Force safety review board is expected to begin work” later this week.

The board will release its report once the investigation is complete, but gave no indication of when it expects that to happen.

“We are grateful to the M1 maintenance team who immediately initiated life support measures and for the heroic efforts of the security forces, firefighters and medical personnel here on base and at United Regional Hospital,” Cok said. “Their efforts allowed Captain Robertson’s family to be by his side after his passing.”