WASHINGTON — The Air Force is implementing a “fleet-wide operational pause” for the T-38 Talon fleet effective immediately, the service announced today.
The aircraft is being grounded “[o]ut of an abundance of caution” following a crash of a T-38 on May 12, according to an Air Force press release. Two pilots in the incident both safely ejected from the aircraft, which was operating from Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi.
The Air Force press release says the grounding will enable an ongoing accident investigation into the May 12 incident, in order “to locate and assess evidence” and ensure “the continued safety of Air Force personnel and equipment involved in flying T-38 operations while the investigation progresses.
“The duration of the pause remains undetermined pending further engineering analysis and development of an inspection process to clear aircraft for a safe return to flight,” the release adds.
It’s not unusual for a military service to ground an aircraft after a mishap. However, the decision is not made lightly, and often hinges on preliminary data that suggests other aircraft could be at risk of a similar mishap.
Inspections looking for any underlying issues are expected to start “as early as this week,” and individual T-38s can resume flying after passing inspection and receiving any necessary corrective maintenance, according to the release. In the meantime, “aircrews will maximize simulator training to maintain proficiency and currency requirements.”
T-38 builder Northrop Grumman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The T-38, which entered service in 1961, is a critical tool for Air Force pilot training, which young aviators use to learn the ropes before moving on to platforms like fighter jets and bombers. Given its age, the T-38 has become increasingly difficult to maintain.
The Air Force plans to replace the legacy Talon with the new T-7 Red Hawk built by Boeing. The Red Hawk’s more modern design, officials say, can better prepare pilots for next-generation aircraft. The Air Force earlier this month approved the T-7 for production, and expects the jet will be ready to fly new pilots in 2028.
