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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Elections & Politics

Air Force T-34 Trainer Jet Crashes, Two Pilots Die; President Lai Expresses Grief

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A T-34 trainer aircraft from the Air Force's Gangshan base crashed during a training mission, resulting in the deaths of two pilots.
  • President Lai Ching-te expressed deep sorrow over the incident and has ordered the Ministry of National Defense to form a task force to investigate the cause.
  • The president conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased pilots and thanked them for their service and sacrifice.

President Lai Ching-te expressed profound grief and regret on Monday following the crash of a T-34 trainer aircraft from the Air Force's Gangshan base. The incident, which occurred around 8:08 AM during a simulated engine failure training mission, tragically claimed the lives of two Air Force lieutenant colonels.

Facing the sudden bad news, my heart is filled with great sorrow and reluctance.

— President Lai Ching-teExpressing his feelings upon learning about the T-34 trainer aircraft crash.

Speaking at the COMPUTEX 2026 exhibition, President Lai stated that the two pilots were executing their training maneuvers when the accident happened at the airport, leading to the aircraft catching fire. He conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the two pilots, whom he referred to as heroes, acknowledging their sacrifice and dedication to the nation.

President Lai has directed the Ministry of National Defense to establish a special task force to thoroughly investigate the cause of the crash. The objective is to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Additionally, he has ordered that all necessary assistance be provided to the families of the deceased pilots to help them manage funeral arrangements and to ensure the heroes receive the honor they deserve.

I have already asked the Ministry of National Defense to form a special task force to quickly investigate the cause of the accident and prevent similar things from happening again.

— President Lai Ching-teOutlining the immediate actions taken following the crash.

The T-34 trainer aircraft is used for initial pilot training within the Republic of China Air Force. The loss of two experienced pilots in such a training accident highlights the inherent risks involved in military aviation operations.

On behalf of the nation, I express my gratitude to the two hero pilots for their sacrifice and contribution to the country, and also convey my sincerest condolences to the families.

— President Lai Ching-teAcknowledging the pilots' service and offering condolences.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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