A T-38C Talon aircraft lost its canopy mid-flight during training on June 14, 2022.
The incident took place near Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma, United States, from where the trainer aircraft took off. The base houses the 71st Flying Training Wing, which provides training to the US Air Force student pilots for deployment.
The pilots managed to land safely back at the airbase. They were both medically examined and were found unharmed.
“We train our pilots to be the best in the world and thoroughly prepare them for any kind of emergency,” said Colonel Jay Johnson, the commander of the 71st Flying Training Wing, in a press release. “Our Airmen are our most important resource. We train our pilots to expect the unexpected and this is an outstanding example of our pilots showcasing their skills.”
An investigation was launched to determine the reason behind the canopy flying away. AeroTime reached out to Vance Air Force Base for comment.
The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles by the USAF and other allied powers.
Over the next few years, the USAF will take delivery of 351 T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer jets developed by Boeing and Saab to progressively replace the current fleet of Cold War-era Northrop T-38 Talon aircraft.