Aircraft and Flight Details
A United States Air Force (USAF) T-38 Talon and a Cessna 172 collided at an altitude of 4,200 feet above mean sea level (MSL). The T-38 was a tandem-seat variant, with an instructor pilot in the rear seat and a rated pilot in the front seat. The aircraft was being vectored for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 33 at Kelly Air Force Base (AFB). The T-38 was traveling at approximately 330 knots; the standard 250-knot speed limitation had been waived for T-38 aircraft due to their lack of controllability at lower speeds. The T-38 was equipped with a Mode C transponder.
The Cessna 172 was occupied by a student pilot, who was wearing a vision-restricting device, and a certified flight instructor (CFI). Prior to the collision, the crew was practicing air work maneuvers. The aircraft was equipped with a transponder but lacked Mode C capability.
Collision Sequence
During the impact, the vertical stabilizer of the T-38 struck the right side of the Cessna 172's engine. The engine separated from the Cessna 172. Following the collision, the Cessna 172 pilots executed a landing on a road. The T-38 descended out of control, and its pilots ejected safely.
Communications and Radar Services
Both aircraft were in radio contact with the San Antonio South Departure controller. However, approximately three minutes before the collision, radar service with the Cessna 172 had been terminated. The T-38 maintained radar contact via its Mode C transponder.
The source does not provide information on the time of day, weather conditions, or the specific location of the collision beyond being in the vicinity of Kelly AFB.