The U.S. Air Force has grounded its entire fleet of T-38 Talon trainers after a crash in Alabama on May 12 during a routine training mission. The aircraft involved was assigned to the 14th Flying Training Wing at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi. Both pilots ejected safely before the jet crashed in a heavily wooded area, according to initial reports.
The Air Force said the fleetwide pause was ordered out of an abundance of caution while the mishap investigation continues. Aircrews will keep training in simulators during the suspension. The service said the length of the ground stop remains undetermined and depends on engineering analysis and the development of an inspection process to clear aircraft for return to flight.
Inspections are expected to begin this week. One of the pilots was reported by Japanese media to be a trainee from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force who suffered a broken leg.