(Photo : U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Carranza)
An instructor pilot died when his ejection seat activated on the ground.

A pilot instructor died at a U.S. Air Force base after the ejection seat of the plane he was in activated on the ground.

The pilot was identified on Tuesday as Capt. John Robertson of the 80th Operations Support Squadron.

Robertson was severely injured when the ejection seat of the T-6A Texan II unexpectedly activated at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas.

"This is a devastating loss for Captain Robertson's family and loved ones, and for the entire 80th Flying Training Wing," said Col. Mitchell J. Cok, the acting wing commander.

"Captain Robertson was a highly valued Airman and instructor pilot. Our deepest condolences go with all who knew and loved him."

Cok says a maintenance team immediately attempted live-saving care on Robertson and called their efforts "heroic ."

He said their efforts allowed time for Robertson's family to be at his side when he died at United Regional Hospital.

A student who was also in the plane did not eject and was not hurt, an Air Force spokesperson told Air Force Times. 

The T-6 is a two-seat propeller plane often used for basic pilot training, Air and Space Forces reported.

The Air Force Safety Investigation Board is investigating the incident and will release its report when its investigation is complete.