Investigation boards convene at Columbus AFB Published May 7, 2008 By 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The investigation into the April 23, 2008 crash of a T-38C Talon from the 14th Flying Training Wing, Columbus AFB, Mississippi is currently underway. Both pilots were killed during the mishap. The crash site is located on the base's main runway. There is not yet enough evidence gathered to draw any conclusions as to the cause of this mishap. Additional information will be released as it becomes available. The Vice Commander, Air Education Training Command, convened a Safety Investigation Board (SIB) immediately after the mishap in order to quickly determine the cause of the crash and to recommend measures necessary to prevent a recurrence. The SIB will not produce a publicly releasable report. The Vice Commander, Air Education Training Command, also convened an Accident Investigation Board (AIB) to investigate the matter and to produce a publicly releasable report. The AIB President is Brigadier General Dean J. Despinoy, 434th Refueling Wing, Air Force Reserve Command, Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana. In addition to setting forth factual information concerning the accident, the AIB President is required to state in the report his opinion concerning the cause or causes of the accident and describe those factors, if any, that substantially contributed to the accident. After the report has been approved by the Commander, Air Education Training Command, it will be presented to the family of each deceased pilot. After the family has had an opportunity to be personally briefed, the report will be released to the general public.
