Taiwan air force to honor fallen pilots with 'missing man formation' flyover

Taiwan's air force is preparing to hold a joint memorial service on June 17 for two pilots who tragically died when their T-34C trainer aircraft crashed during a training mission on June 2. The ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. at the Air Force Academy's southern sports stadium.

To honor the fallen pilots, Lieutenant Colonel Lu Chi-yu, 41, and Major Kuo Chun-nan, 46, four military jets will perform a "missing man formation" flyover. This symbolic maneuver involves one aircraft pulling up sharply and ascending into the sky, representing the departed pilot leaving the formation for their final mission. It serves as a solemn salute from their comrades.

Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng visited the families of the deceased pilots following the accident. President Lai Ching-te also paid his respects at the mourning hall, offering condolences to the families. Both President Lai and high-ranking officials from the Ministry of National Defense and the Air Force Command are expected to attend the memorial service to bid farewell to the pilots.

The T-34C trainer aircraft crashed while the two pilots were on a training mission. Both pilots were unable to eject and died at the scene. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.