T-38C trainers grounded after fatal crashes

[unhappycamper]

T-38C trainers grounded after fatal crashes
By Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday May 1, 2008 20:51:26 EDT

In the wake of the second fatal crash in nine days, Air Education and Training Command has grounded its fleet of about 500 T-38C Talon training jets.

AETC also has declared Monday, May 5, as a safety day. The command will fly no training sorties that day, regardless of the aircraft model.

The decision by the commander of AETC, Gen. William Looney, to ground the T-38Cs came hours after two pilots died when their Talon crashed May 1 at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, home of the 80th Flying Training Wing.

The Talon had gone for five years without a fatal crash until April 23 when a T-38C crashed on takeoff from Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., killing Maj. Blair Faulkner, 43rd Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, and 2nd Lt. Matthew Emmons, Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 08-14.

"We have no evidence that these incidents are related," said Looney. "But until we have a more complete understanding of the causes of both accidents, it's prudent to stand down the T-38's."


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/05/airforce_aetc_sheppard_t38_050108/