Out of an abundance of caution, the Air Force is implementing a fleet-wide operational pause for all T-38 Talon aircraft, impacting units across Air Education and Training Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Materiel Command and Air Force Global Strike Command.
This pause in flight operations allows an ongoing Safety Board to locate and assess evidence from a May 12, 2026, T-38 mishap involving an aircraft assigned to Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. The pause ensures 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. Inspections are anticipated to begin as early as this week. Individual aircraft may resume flying operations once the inspection process and, if necessary, any corresponding maintenance actions are complete.
This operational pause strictly applies to the T-38 Talon fleet.
Affected major commands are actively working to mitigate impacts to operations, training and readiness. During this period, aircrews will maximize simulator training to maintain proficiency and currency requirements.
