Air Force Pilot Killed in T-38 Plane Crash in Del Rio, TX Identified

By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2017

The United States Air Force has identified the pilot killed in the T-38 Talon airplane crash on Monday, November 20, 2017, in Del Rio, Val Verde County, Texas, as well as the pilot injured in the same crash.

The deceased pilot is Captain Paul J. Barbour of Van Nuys, California who was the air crew flight equipment flight commander with the 47th Operations Support Squadron and an instructor pilot with the 87th Flying Training Squadron at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas.  Captain Barbour is survived by his wife, father, mother, and a sister.

Also injured in the plane crash was Captain Joshua Hammervold, an instructor pilot with the 87th Flying Training Squadron at Lauglin Air Force Base. Captain Hammevold was able to parachute out of the plane and was injured. He was treated at Val Verde Regional Medical Center in Del Rio, Texas and was released from the hospital in good condition on Tuesday, November 21st.

“Tragic events like this one are difficult for everyone-family, friends, co-workers, supervisors, and our entire Air Force,” said Colonel Charilie Velino, Commander of the 47th Flying Training Wing.  “Every day, our pilots take a risk when they step into the cockpit and every day they operate with the utmost skill, professionalism, and dedication to train the next generation of flying Airmen and to ensure the safety of this great nation,” added Colonel Velino.

The plane crash occurred at about 4 P.M. on Monday, November 21, 2017, approximately 14 miles from Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas near U.S. Highway 90 and Spur 454 in Val Verde County.

The cause of the accident is under investigation by the U.S. Air Force.  “Rest assured, we are doing everything we can do to support the investigation and prevent future incidents,” said Colonel Velino.