Squadron Remembers Pilots Killed In Savannah T-6 Crash

Nowhere was the weekend crash of a T-6A in Savannah (GA) felt more keenly than at Moody AFB near Valdosta (GA).

"A squadron is a pretty tight bunch, and we're going through the different emotions of grief and anger, said Lt. Col. Stephen Winn, Commander of the 39th Flying Training Squadron at Moody.

Captain Judson Brinson and Captain Lee Moore both died Saturday morning when their Texan II crashed during takeoff at the Savannah International Airport. Winn said they were returning to Moody after a "routine" training mission.

"We don't know what exactly went wrong yet, a safety investigation board is looking at the case right now," said Winn, in an interview with WALB TV News.

Both Brinson and Moore were instructors with the 39th FTS. Winn said they were among his very best. "I hired them both myself, flew with them, and was very impressed with both."

In spite of the accident, Winn remains a staunch advocate for the T-6A, which has been in operation since 2000. "The T-6 has an awfully strong safety record and we've never had a fatality in this plane until now."

FMI: www.moody.af.mil/479ftg/39fts