Taiwan Air Force T-34 Crash Claims Lives of Two Experienced Pilots
Two lieutenant colonels from Taiwan's Air Force died in a T-34 trainer crash during a simulated emergency drill. The incident raises questions about the safety of the aging T-34 fleet, prompting investigations and potential procurement of new trainer aircraft.
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Lieutenant Colonels Lu Chi-yu and Kuo Chun-nan were killed on Tuesday during a T-34 trainer crash at Gangshan Air Base in Kaohsiung. The aircraft was conducting a simulated engine-failure training exercise when the incident occurred at 8:08 a.m.
Both pilots had extensive experience, with Lu holding 2,114 flight hours and Kuo 2,172 hours. The Air Force is investigating the cause, which remains undetermined, with a task force established to provide answers.
Discussions about the T-34's age, with production ceasing in 1990, have emerged, alongside plans for future aircraft procurement. The military is assessing whether the crash was due to aircraft malfunction or procedural issues. Pressure for fleet-wide inspections is expected to intensify following this tragedy.
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