SAN ANTONIO – Air Force officials said they believe engine failure is what led one of their trainer planes to crash Tuesday afternoon less than 10 miles away from Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.
The T-6A Texan II, from the 12th Operations Group, crashed in an open field at Circle Dot Ranch near Rolling Oaks Mall around 4 p.m.
"It appears the aircraft experienced engine failure on final approach at low altitude, configured for landing before our airmen ejected," Col. Mark S. Robinson said. "The interim safety board will be looking at all aspects of the aircraft, to include the engine components, to determine the cause of the crash."
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Officials said crew members Lt. Col. Lee Glenn and 1st Lt. Nicholas Donato were treated for minor injuries but released that same night from a clinic on JBSA-Randolph.
"I’m incredibly grateful for the long-standing community partnerships we enjoy, and I would like to offer my personal thanks on behalf of the 12th (Flying Training Wing) family to the citizens and first responders who were so eager to attend to the well-being of our pilots," Robinson said.
A LOOK INSIDE A T-6A TEXAN II:
Officials said Glenn is an active guard and reserve T-6 instructor pilot, and Donato is a pilot on temporary duty at JBSA-Randolph for instructor training.
ORIGINAL STORY: Air Force trainer plane crashes near Rolling Oaks Mall
The T-6A Texan II operations at JBSA-Randolph remain paused while the base's other training aircraft, T-38C Talons and T-1A Jayhawks, have continued their exercises.
"I have established an interim safety board to preserve evidence until a formal safety board is established this week," Robinson said.
"It’s important that we give the safety board the time and resources needed to complete the difficult task ahead," he said.