T-38 mishap anniversary Published July 21, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Robert L. McIlrath 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- It has been one year since two pilots ejected from their aircraft during a routine training mission, just south of Sheppard on the early morning of July 19, 2013, after a bird strike shattered the T-38C Talon canopy, sending fragments through the number two engine, causing engine failure. As word of the crash reached the proper authorities on both sides of the gate, training kicked in as people sprang into action to do their part in ensuring the pilot's safety. A convoy of military emergency vehicles bearing sirens and lights rushed off base to the scene, at the same time, a similar convoy of civilian emergency vehicles hurried to accident to provide an effective and timely response. Senior Airman Jose Garza III, 82nd Security Forces Squadron, was one of the scene's first responders and helped set up a 1,000 foot cordon around the crash site while emergency vehicles were still arriving on location. Both civilian and military authorities worked with the same sense of urgency to recover both pilots quickly and safely. "We always help each other out when we can," Garza said. "We try to get the job done and learn from each other as well." The instructor pilot and student pilot that ejected were both assigned to the 80th Flying Training Wing. The American instructor pilot came out unscathed, while the German Air Force student pilot suffered minor, non-life threatening injuries and recently graduated from pilot training. Since the crash, training and precaution have been heightened to ensure the safety of the pilots and the surrounding area.