The U.S. Air Force has ordered a fleet-wide operational pause for all T-38 Talon aircraft following last week’s mishap involving a Columbus Air Force Base jet in west Alabama.

According to the Air Force, the operational pause was implemented “out of an abundance of caution” as investigators continue examining the May 12 incident involving a T-38 assigned to the Mississippi base.

The service said the pause will allow an ongoing Safety Investigation Board to locate and assess evidence connected to the mishap while ensuring the continued safety of personnel and aircraft involved in T-38 operations.

The aircraft involved in the Alabama incident was a T-38 Talon II, a supersonic jet trainer used by the Air Force. Two pilots safely ejected before the aircraft crashed, and no injuries were reported.

Air Force officials said the cause of the mishap remains unknown and continues to be investigated. The service said the duration of the operational pause has not yet been determined as officials work through additional engineering analysis and develop an inspection process for the aircraft fleet.

The operational pause affects T-38 aircraft across multiple major commands, including Air Education and Training Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Materiel Command and Air Force Global Strike Command. During the pause, aircrews will continue simulator training to maintain proficiency and readiness requirements, according to the Air Force.

Individual aircraft could resume flying operations once inspections and any required maintenance actions are completed. The Air Force has not announced when the fleet-wide pause will end.

Located near the Alabama state line in northeastern Mississippi, Columbus Air Force Base is one of the closest major Air Force installations to west Alabama communities including Fayette and Tuscaloosa.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].