Taiwanese Brave Eagle Trainer Plane Crashes into the Sea off Taitung, Pilot Rescued

The Republic of China Air Force Command announced that a courageous Eagle advanced trainer aircraft (AJT, aircraft number 1130) experienced a dual-engine failure shortly after take-off at 8:40 a.m. on February 15. The pilot safely ejected from the aircraft and was rescued at 9:14 a.m.

The Air Force Command released a press statement at 9:20 a.m. stating that the courageous Eagle advanced trainer aircraft of the Air Force Flight Training Department (located in Taitung) declared a dual-engine failure after taking off at 8:40 a.m., with the pilot safely ejecting from the aircraft. The Air Force Command further stated that a special investigation team has been formed to determine the cause of the incident.

At 10:25 a.m., the Taiwan Air Force Command issued a press release stating that a senior instructor aircraft (AJT, aircraft number 1130) of the Air Force Flight Training Department crashed into the sea north of the airfield due to a dual-engine failure during a training flight today. Pilot Lin ejected and landed in the sea, where he boarded a personal life raft. He was then rescued by a rescue helicopter at 9:14 a.m., conscious and in good condition. At 9:23 a.m., he was taken to Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taitung for a preliminary checkup, which showed he was healthy with no injuries.

The Taiwan Air Force Command explained that the two-seat advanced trainer aircraft had a total flight time of 183 hours, with a solo pilot conducting a basic navigation and bombing mission in the morning. A special team has been formed by the Air Force Command, in collaboration with the Han Xiang Company, to investigate and determine the root cause of the incident, ensuring the safety of future training missions.