Lai Ching-te Again Mourns Fallen Pilots, Vows Full Investigation into Crash

(CNA, Taipei, June 3, reporter Wen Guixiang) Following the crash of an Air Force T-34C trainer aircraft that killed two pilots, Democratic Progressive Party Chair Lai Ching-te on Tuesday again expressed his deepest sorrow and condolences to the families of the two fallen aviators. He stated that the Ministry of National Defense will fully assist the families with funeral arrangements and investigate the cause of the accident.

The DPP held its Central Standing Committee meeting in the afternoon. DPP spokesperson Wu Zheng conveyed Chair Lai's remarks, stating that he once again expressed his deepest sorrow and condolences over the loss of the two air force pilots in a training accident the previous day. The Ministry of National Defense will fully assist the families with funeral arrangements and determine the cause of the accident.

Lieutenant Colonels Kuo Chun-nan and Lu Chi-yu were piloting a T-34C trainer aircraft at Gangshan Air Base in Kaohsiung on the morning of June 2, conducting a simulated engine failure exercise on the landing pattern. The aircraft crashed at the northern end of the base runway 21 minutes after takeoff, killing both pilots. The Air Force has established a task force to investigate the cause of the crash. (Editor: Lin Xingmeng) 1150603