Lt Christopher Short, 32, was killed on Friday when the A-29 Super Tucano he was piloting crashed on the Red Rio Bombing Range within the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The other crew member was airlifted to the hospital with minor injuries. The Super Tucano was undergoing experimental tests for the US Air Force to make a decision between the A-29 and the AT-6 Wolverine for its next light attack aircraft.
The incident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. on June 22 about 65 miles north of Holloman Air Force Base.
“There’s no way to to describe the shock of this loss and the sadness we feel for his family. He did pioneering work in aviation that will help shape American air power for years to come. We’re thankful to have known him and grateful for his devotion to duty.” Col. Houston Cantwell, Commander, Holloman’s 49th Wing
The A-29 Super Tucano was made by Sierra Nevada/Emraer. Textron Aviation’s AT-6 Wolverine is the other aircraft in competition for the Air Force’s Light Attack fleet, according to Military.com.
An Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano A-29 experimental aircraft flies over White Sands Missile Range at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., on Aug. 1, 2017. (Ethan D. Wagner/Air Force) (Conflicting photos of the Super Tucano on various sites- this one had the name on the tail of the aicrcraft)
Lt Christopher Carey Short
Lt Short attended Lima Christian School in Canandaigua, Livingston County, New York. He was on the ski team, and valedictorian of his 2004 class.
“He died serving the country he loved” a community is mourning the loss Lt. Christopher Carey Short. Short was valedictorian at Lima Christian School @News_8 has the last words he said to his 2004 class. pic.twitter.com/hCVQYMvQQE
— Wakisha Bailey (@WakishaBailey) June 25, 2018
According to Rochesterfirst, Lt. Short’s last words in his Valedictorian speech at graduation were: “Live a life of sacrifice. Live for those around you for your country and for your God.”
He spent 14 years in the service of his country, having joined the Naval ROTC in 2004. He was married in October 2017.
“Chris was more of a conservative, reserved kind of guy. Not all about the flash. Not a ‘look at me.’ He was just going to get things done.” Valerie Coykendall, one of Chris’ former teachers and coach.
Featured photo: screenshot, News8