TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Two Air Force pilots were killed Tuesday morning when a T-34 trainer aircraft crashed during a training mission over Kaohsiung.
The Air Force Command Headquarters said the aircraft crashed near the northern end of the runway at Gangshan Air Force Base while conducting a mission simulating engine failure procedures. The aircraft was piloted by Lieutenant Colonel Lu (盧) and Lieutenant Colonel Kuo (過), both of whom died in the accident.
The Air Force has established a special task force to determine the cause of the crash.
The T-34 primary trainer aircraft has served as the Air Force’s first training platform for pilot candidates and has been in service for 40 years since its introduction in 1985, per Liberty Times. The military plans to keep the aircraft in service until 2033, when it will be gradually retired as it reaches the end of its operational life.
No decision has been made on whether the T-34’s replacement will be developed domestically or purchased from overseas.
