By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — Two Republic of China Air Force officers were killed Tuesday after a T-34 trainer aircraft crashed during a training mission at Gangshan Air Base (岡山基地), marking one of the military’s most serious aviation accidents in recent years.
The crash occurred during a routine training flight on June 2. According to military officials, the aircraft went down near the runway area during landing operations before bursting into flames.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene after witnesses reported an explosion and thick smoke rising from the crash site. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and secured the area while military personnel launched rescue operations.
Initial reports indicated that one officer was thrown from the aircraft during the impact and was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The second officer became trapped in the wreckage due to severe damage to the aircraft. Rescue crews worked to remove him from the wreckage, but he also died.
The two officers were reportedly serving as an instructor and evaluator and were described as experienced aviators.
The Air Force said a special investigation team has been established to determine the cause of the crash. Investigators will examine whether mechanical failure, operational factors, or other issues contributed to the accident.
Military officials expressed condolences to the families of the two officers and said support would be provided to relatives.
The crash occurred at Gangshan Air Base, home to the Air Force Academy and a major training center for military pilots.
No civilian injuries were reported.
Further details, including the identities of the officers and the results of the investigation, were not immediately available.
