Air Force Instructor Pilot Killed in Ground Ejection Seat Activation at Texas Base

An Air Force instructor pilot tragically lost his life due to an accidental activation of the ejection seat while the jet was still on the ground at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, the Air Force reported on Tuesday.

The incident occurred on Monday while the instructor was in a T-6A Texan II aircraft. The ejection seat unexpectedly activated during ground operations, leading to the pilot being rushed to a hospital, where he passed away on Tuesday. The pilot’s identity has not been disclosed as authorities are waiting to inform the next of kin.

The T-6A Texan II is a single-engine, two-seat aircraft used primarily for training Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps pilots. During training flights, an instructor can occupy either the front or back seat, both of which are equipped with lightweight Martin-Baker ejection seats. These seats are activated by a handle located on the seat itself.

In 2022, the entire T-6 fleet, along with numerous other aircraft used by the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, was temporarily grounded. This measure was taken after inspections uncovered a potential defect in one component of the ejection seats’ cartridge actuated devices (CADs). The fleet underwent thorough inspections, and in certain cases, the CADs were replaced.

The ejection process begins when the cartridge explodes, initiating the ejection sequence. Although ejection seats have saved numerous pilots’ lives, they have also failed during critical moments. For example, in June 2020, the failure of an ejection seat was partly responsible for the crash of an F-16, which resulted in the death of 1st Lt. David Schmitz, 32.

In another incident in 2018, four crew members of a B-1 bomber were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Their aircraft caught fire, and one of the four ejection seats indicated a malfunction. Rather than abandoning the aircraft, the crew chose to stay on board and safely land the burning plane, maximizing their chances of survival. All four crew members survived the ordeal.

This recent incident at Sheppard Air Force Base highlights the ongoing risks associated with ejection seats, despite their critical role in saving lives during emergencies.