Hualien F-16V Fighter Jet Scrapes Streetlight During Landing, Debris Damages Civilian Vehicle

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Chang Chi, Hualien County, June 17) An F-16V (Block 20) fighter jet at Hualien Air Base scraped the lampshade of a streetlight with its landing gear tire during landing this afternoon. The lampshade fell to the ground, scattering glass fragments that damaged the windshield of a car parked roadside. The nearest civilian residence was only slightly over 3 meters away.

Li Chiu-nan, a representative from Hsincheng Township, said the impact occurred at a streetlight directly opposite the Chia-hsin Village service office. At the time of the incident, he was conducting voter services when he heard a loud noise. Upon going outside, he discovered the fallen streetlight and glass debris scattered across the road. A nearby resident told him, "The fighter jet hit the streetlight," fortunately, no pedestrians or vehicles were passing by at the time.

A witness surnamed Huang said the aircraft was flying unusually low during descent when suddenly there was a 'bang' sound, and the streetlight's lampshade was violently ejected toward the ground at high speed, leaving no time to react.

The car parked roadside by Mr. Huang was likely struck by flying glass fragments from the shattered lampshade, resulting in a crack on the windshield and scattered glass on both sides of the vehicle.

Ku Chiu-ming, a Kuomintang-affiliated councilor from Hsincheng Township, visited the site. He recalled a similar incident over a decade ago when an F-16 fighter jet's wheel accidentally snagged power lines in Chia-hsin Village, located about 200 meters from today's streetlight impact site.

Ku emphasized that the air base is adjacent to residential areas, and daily takeoffs and landings already place psychological stress on residents. This incident, caused by flying too low, demands not only restoration of the site and compensation for damaged vehicles but also a serious review and improvement of safety protocols.

The Air Force Command issued a press release this evening stating that one of its F-16V (Block 20) jets at Hualien Base, during a routine combat readiness runway exercise, likely approached at too low an altitude, causing the landing gear to scrape the streetlight's lampshade. A special investigation team has been dispatched to determine the exact cause. The Air Force also pledged to compensate and restore any public facilities and civilian property damaged according to regulations. (Editor: Hsiao Po-wen) 1150617

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