COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - An Air Force T-38C Talon II crashed at about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday (May 23) in a remote area near Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. Both pilots ejected safely from the aircraft. Local law enforcement and first responders are on scene. The pilots have been transported to a local hospital for evaluation. First responders have extinguished the fire and are securing the area. There are no houses or other structures in the immediate area of the crash. (Source: CAFB 05/22/18) UPDATE: The T-38C went down in a wooded area outside the base's fenceline. Lt Col. Marc Deshaies, who commands the 14th Student Squadron at CAFB, told reporters he had no specific information on any injuries to the unnamed pilots. It is "still way too early to tell" what caused the crash, Deshaies said. The commander would not say whether the aircraft was landing, taking off, or in the midst of something else at the time of the crash. "We are extremely, extremely thankful” the pilots were able to eject safely, Deshaies said. They were taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle where they were treated and released. The instructor pilot is assigned to the 50th Flying Training Squadron. The student-pilot is assigned to the 14th Student Squadron. The base suspended flights for the remainder of Wednesday. The AF will investigate and release report findings at a later date. CAFB trains pilots in a variety of aircraft, with more advanced trainees learning with the T-38C. It is used for pilots learning to fly fighter and bomber aircraft. (Source: The AP 05/23/18) UPDATE2: CAFB holds media conference. http://www.wtva.com/content/video/483489281.html
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