Taiwan Military T-34 Trainer Crash Claims Two Pilots

On June 2, 2026, a T-34 trainer aircraft crashed at Gangshan Air Base in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, during a simulated engine failure exercise, resulting in the deaths of both pilots, Lieutenant Colonels Lu Chi-yu and Kuo Chun-nan. The crash occurred at 8:08 AM local time, prompting an immediate investigation by the Air Force and the establishment of a special task force. This incident adds to a troubling timeline of military aviation accidents in Taiwan, which has seen 20 personnel fatalities since 2020. In response to the crash, the Air Force has suspended all T-34C flight training operations and ordered fleet-wide inspections of the aircraft. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Key Points: • Two pilots died in a T-34 trainer crash during a simulated training exercise. • The crash occurred at Gangshan Air Base, prompting an investigation and suspension of T-34C operations. • This incident marks the latest in a series of fatal military aviation accidents in Taiwan since 2020.