Air Force identifies 2 airmen killed during T-38 training flight in Oklahoma

"When tragedies like this occur, every member of the U.S. military, Vance, Enid, feels it."

The Air Force has identified the two airmen killed in a training accident on Thursday as Lt. Col John “Matt” Kincade, 47, and 2nd Lt. Travis B. Wilkie, 23.

Kincade and Wilkie were killed at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma during a training mission involving T-38C Talon aircraft, the Air Force said. Two T-38s were training in formation when the incident occurred during the landing phase, according to a press release.

Kincade, an instructor pilot assigned to the 5th Flying Training Squadron, is survived by his wife and two sons, while Wilkie, a student pilot assigned to the 71st Student Squadron, is survived by his wife, parents and sister, said the Air Force, which is investigating the accident.

“We are a close-knit family,” said Col. Corey Simmons, commander of the 71st Flying Training Wing, “and when tragedies like this occur, every member of the U.S. military, Vance, Enid, feels it.”

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David Roza

YouTube Writer/Editor

David Roza is a former Task & Purpose reporter who regularly covered the Air Force, Space Force, aircraft and aviation, as well as military pay, benefits, health care, child care, culture, and other personnel topics.


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