Two pilots safely eject before Air Force jet crashes in Alabama

A U.S. Air Force jet crashed in Lamar County, Alabama, on Tuesday afternoon, with two pilots successfully ejecting before impact. The aircraft, a T-38 Talon II from Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi, was conducting a routine flying training mission when the incident occurred near Blooming Grove Road and Corinth Road. The pilots were taken to a medical facility following the ejection, though no immediate injuries were reported. The crash site is located in a heavily wooded area, making access difficult for investigators. Local authorities, including the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), are assisting in securing the scene and coordinating the investigation. Columbus Air Force Base officials confirmed the incident as a mishap and stated the cause remains unknown. An Air Force Safety Investigation Board will lead the inquiry, working alongside local law enforcement to determine what led to the crash. The base emphasized that the pilots’ safety was the top priority during the incident. The crash occurred around noon, and the area remains under investigation. Fire Chief Shawn Ricchuito noted that the remote location and dense foliage may complicate efforts to fully secure the site. No further details about the pilots’ condition or the aircraft’s status were immediately available.