The incident occurred shortly after SpaceShipTwo separated from WhiteKnightTwo , the vehicle designed to carry it aloft , the Federal Aviation Administration said . Pilot who survived identified as Michael Tyner Alsbury , 39 , Virgin Galactic 's says . Authorities identify pilot who died as Michael Tyner Alsbury , 43 . Virgin Group founder Richard Branson vows to find out 'what went wrong ' Both pilots worked for Sheriff 's Office partner , Scaled Composites .
Pilot who survived identified as Michael Tyner Alsbury , 39 , Virgin Galactic 's says . Authorities identify pilot who died as Michael Tyner Alsbury , 43 . Virgin Group founder Richard Branson vows to find out 'what went wrong ' Both pilots worked for Sheriff 's Office partner , Scaled Composites .