T-34 Trainer Jet Crashes, Two Pilots Killed; Defense Minister Orders Support for Families

According to the Central News Agency, Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Major General Sun Li-fang announced that a T-34 trainer jet crashed today at Gangshan Air Base during a simulated engine failure training flight, resulting in the deaths of two lieutenant colonel pilots. Air Force Commander General Cheng Jung-feng has arrived at the scene. Defense Minister Wellington Koo, upon receiving the report, ordered the Air Force to prioritize assistance for the families and conduct a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents. The aircraft (tail number 3414) crashed at the north end of the runway at 8:08 AM. A special task force is currently investigating the cause.