An Air Force F-22A crash March 25 near Edwards AFB claimed the life of an Air Force veteran and Lockheed Martin test pilot.
26-03-2009 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- David Cooley, 49, of Palmdale, Calif., died when the F-22A he was piloting crashed northeast of the base here. Mr. Cooley worked as a test pilot with Lockheed Martin, and was employed at the 411th Flight Test Squadron, 412th Test Wing, on Edwards.
Emergency response workers on their way to the crash site
Mr. Cooley joined Lockheed Martin in 2003 and was a 21-year veteran of the Air Force. He worked at the F-22 Combined Test Force, where a team of Lockheed Martin and Air Force pilots conduct F-22 aircraft testing.
He graduated from Belleville East High School in 1978, where he was a standout soccer player and team captain.
His father, Bill Cooley, is a retired Air Force master sergeant. He says his son flew a wide inventory of aircraft and had been testing the Raptor jet for several years.
"This is a very difficult day for Edwards and those who knew and respected Dave as a warrior, test pilot and friend," said Maj. Gen. David Eichhorn, Air Force Flight Test Center commander. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave and his family as we struggle through, and do all we can to support them."
Edwards officials said they were notified around 10 a.m. that the F-22A had gone down 35 miles northeast of the base. First responders transported Mr. Cooley from the crash scene to Victor Valley Community Hospital in Victorville, Calif., where he was pronounced dead.
A board of officers is investigating the accident through an Accident Investigation Board, whose findings will be released to the public upon completion.
UPDATE: Lockheed Martin issued a statement regarding the crash.
UPDATE2: Family interview about deceased pilot David Cooley.
Source: USAF Photo: U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Rachel A. Kocin
COMMENTS:
i knew one of his 3 sons,Aaron cooley.He was a brave and caring man
I would rather not say | posted on Aug 06, 2009 @ 09:54
I wish to bid the family and friends of David Cooley my condolences. I did not know his family or friends, I'm just an ordinary kid from The Netherlands. I have read about this accident that claimed the life of this very brave warrior and test pilot and I felt like I really had to post a comment. It really is a tragedy. Rest In Peace David.
Mr. Cooley joined Lockheed Martin in 2003 and was a 21-year veteran of the Air Force. He worked at the F-22 Combined Test Force, where a team of Lockheed Martin and Air Force pilots conduct F-22 aircraft testing.
