Air Force T-34 Trainer Crashes, Killing Two Pilots

A T-34 trainer aircraft from the Air Force crashed on June 2, 2026, during a simulated engine failure training mission near an airbase. The accident resulted in the deaths of two pilots, Lieutenant Colonel Guo Jun-nan, 46, and Lieutenant Colonel Lu Ji-you, 41. Both pilots were married and had extensive flight experience, with over 2,100 hours each on the T-34.

The T-34 trainer, which has been in service for 40 years since 1985, is the first aircraft used to train Air Force pilots. The military plans to retire the aircraft by 2033, with decisions on its replacement still pending. The twin-seat T-34C has a top speed of about 400 km/h and a range of 1,300 km. In training scenarios, students typically occupy the front seat while instructors guide from the rear. Notably, the T-34 trainer is not equipped with ejection seats.

This incident marks the 13th aviation safety accident involving the T-34 trainer aircraft since its introduction in 1985, bringing the total number of pilot fatalities to 12. The aircraft has played a crucial role in training generations of pilots to protect Taiwan's airspace.