Self-media claims 'concealed' stationed helicopter malfunction; Penghu Health Bureau releases data to debunk rumors

The Penghu County Health Bureau in Taiwan has publicly released data to counter claims that it deliberately concealed a malfunction of a locally stationed medical helicopter. The allegations, circulating on social media, suggested the bureau was hiding the issue with the Ling Tien Air helicopter, which provides crucial medical transport services to the islands.

According to the health bureau, the helicopter completed its maintenance and testing on the afternoon of August 7 and has since resumed standby duties. The bureau officially notified the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Air Ambulance Center of the helicopter's return to service. The bureau stated that its public release of information aims to debunk rumors and clarify the situation regarding the aircraft's operational status.

The bureau detailed that any request for the stationed helicopter to be temporarily taken out of service, whether for annual or unscheduled maintenance, must adhere to strict contractual timelines. Such requests require the operator to clearly explain the reasons in writing, which are then submitted to the Civil Aeronautics Administration for review. If the administration deems the reasons for the downtime to be non-force majeure, penalties may be applied according to the contract.

Earlier on August 6, Ling Tien Air's executive director and station chief briefed legislative council members on the aircraft's reliability, backup mechanisms, and support systems. They explained the maintenance process for a temporary malfunction that occurred on July 31, citing global supply chain issues affecting the availability of raw materials and aircraft parts for aviation operators worldwide. Legislators acknowledged the need for an additional backup helicopter to ensure the safety of island residents.