Elkridge Pilot Killed In Supersonic Jet Crash

AUSTIN, TEXAS — An Elkridge man was identified as the military pilot who died in a crash on Tuesday, Nov. 13. The crash happened at Laughlin Air Force Base.

Capt. John, F. Graziano, 28, of Elkridge, was an instructor pilot with the 87th Flying Training Squadron at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas. He is survived by his mother, father, sisters and brother, according to officials.

Graziano was in the T-38 Talon supersonic jet that crashed on base around 7:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13.

A second instructor pilot was injured in the crash and was taken to the Val Verde Medical Center for treatment. He was identified as Capt. Mark S. Palyok, also with the 87th Flying Training Squadron. He has since been released from the hospital.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

"Our investigators are doing everything possible to ensure they investigate this incident to the fullest," said Col. Lee Gentile, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. Gentile called the crash a "tragedy."

- By Patch editors Tony Cantu and Elizabeth Janney

Pictured is a T-38 Talon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Lance Cheung)