T-38C Talon II jet crashes outside Columbus AFB

A U.S. Air Force T-38C Talon II jet trainer crashed outside Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, Wednesday morning, base officials have confirmed.

Both pilots were able to eject safely from the aircraft, according to an Air Force press release.

The aircraft crashed at about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday in a remote area near Columbus Air Force Base.

Authorities with Columbus Air Force Base work with local law enforcement and fire departments in responding to the scene of a U.S. Air Force T-38C Tallon II training jet crash, near the Lowndes-Monroe County line near Columbus, Miss., early Wednesday, May 23, 2018. The two pilots in the aircraft safely ejected before the crash and have been taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. A plume of smoke from the crash could be seen in neighboring Columbus. (Luisa Porter/The Commercial Dispatch via AP)

Local law enforcement and first responders arrived on the scene shortly after the crash and both pilots were transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

The first responders were able to extinguish a fire that resulted from the impact, and secured the area, according to base officials.

There are no houses or other structures in the immediate area of the crash, according to the Air Force.

Aviation in Crisis

“Additional details will be provided as soon as they become available,” Air Force officials said in their statement.

The T-38C Talon II is a is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles. However, Air Education and Training Command primarily uses the T-38 for joint specialized undergraduate pilot training, which is held at several Air Force installations, including Columbus.

About Kyle Rempfer

Kyle Rempfer was an editor and reporter who has covered combat operations, criminal cases, foreign military assistance and training accidents. Before entering journalism, Kyle served in U.S. Air Force Special Tactics and deployed in 2014 to Paktika Province, Afghanistan, and Baghdad, Iraq.