Second Instructor Pilot On Board Treated And Released

A T-38C Talon assigned to Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, went down on base at approximately 7:40 p.m. local time Tuesday, resulting in the fatal injury of one of the two instructor pilots on board.

Officials at Laughlin AFB reported on their Facebook page that the fatally-injured pilot was Capt. John F. Graziano, 28, an instructor pilot with the 87th Flying Training Squadron at Laughlin AFB. He was from Elkridge, Maryland and is survived by his mother, father, sisters and brother.

Injured was Capt. Mark S. Palyok, an instructor pilot, also with the 87th FTS. He was transported to Val Verde Regional Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries. He was treated and released Nov.14.

“Knowing how everyone is affected by this tragedy, my immediate concern is making sure that every member of our Laughlin family is okay,” said Col. Lee Gentile, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. “Together, we are Laughlin and now is the time that we stand together to take care of one another.” The incident occurred at about 7:40 p.m. on Laughlin.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

“Our investigators are doing everything possible to ensure they investigate this incident to the fullest.” said Gentile.

The 87th Flying Training Squadron prepares student pilots and Airmen for multi-domain operations. It conducts specialized undergraduate pilot training for the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and allied nation’s air forces.

(Image from USAF video posted to Facebook)

FMI: Laughlin AFB Facebook