A US Air Force U-28 aircraft crashed on a training flight in New Mexico on Tuesday killing three special operations personnel. The U-28 is a single engine turboprop and was assigned to the 318th Special Operations Squadron.
Today the Air Force released the names of the three heroes that were lost in the accident.
Capt. Andrew Becker, 33, was a pilot for the 318th Special Operations Squadron. He was from Novi, Michigan, and is survived by his spouse, mother and father.
Capt. Kenneth Dalga, 29, was a combat systems officer for the 318th SOS. He was from Goldsboro, North Carolina, and is survived by his spouse, son and mother.
First Lt. Frederick Dellecker, 26, was a co-pilot for the 318th SOS. He was from Daytona Beach, Florida, and is survived by his mother and father.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and friends of those involved in this tragic accident,” said Col. Ben Maitre, the wing commander. “In doing so, our focus is to also support our larger air commando community as we prioritize safe mission accomplishment in both our training and operational commitments.” – US Air Force
The airplane was observed doing touch and go’s before the crash occurred less than half a mile from the Clovis Municipal Airport early Tuesday evening.
Featured image of US Air Force U-28 by Airman Kai L. White, US Air Force
