Pilot at Texas Air Force base dies after ejection incident: ‘This is a devastating loss’

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — An Air Force instructor at a Texas military base has died after he was ejected from an aircraft during ground operations on Monday.

Officials at the Sheppard Air Force Base said the instructor pilot succumbed to his injuries Tuesday after being rushed to the hospital following the accident.

He was identified as Captain John Robertson of the 80th Operations Support Squadron.

“This is a devastating loss for Captain Robertson’s family and loved ones, and for the entire 80th Flying Training Wing,” said Col. Mitchell J. Cok, the acting wing commander of the 80th Flying Training Wing, in a news release. “Captain Robertson was a highly valued Airman and instructor pilot. Our deepest condolences go with all who knew and loved him.”

The release did not disclose what may have triggered the incident that caused the ejection.

An investigation is ongoing, officials said.

Sheppard Air Force Base, established in 1941, is located about 20 miles south of the Oklahoma border, near Wichita Falls, Texas.