T-34 Trainer Crashes, Two Pilots Killed; No Abnormal Radio Reports Before Incident
An Air Force T-34 trainer crashed during training at Kaohsiung Gangshan Base, killing two pilots. The Air Force stated the aircraft is still used by three countries and no radio distress calls were made. The cause is under investigation.
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- 📰 Published: June 2, 2026 at 20:06
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An Air Force T-34 trainer crashed during training today, resulting in the death of two pilots. The Air Force Command clarified that the aircraft model is still in use by three countries globally, and no abnormal radio calls or engine failure reports were made at the time of the incident. The exact cause remains to be clarified.
The T-34 trainer (tail number 3414), piloted by Lieutenant Colonels Kuo Chun-nan and Lu Chi-yu, was conducting a "simulated engine failure" training flight at the Kaohsiung Gangshan Base. It crashed at the north end of the runway 21 minutes after takeoff. The Air Force Command held a press conference at 3:30 PM to explain the accident.
The Air Force stated that the pilots were performing the fifth circuit of the day, practicing "simulated engine failure." According to regulations, pilots must maintain an altitude above 500 feet, use airspeed to gain remaining altitude, climb to between 500 and 1,000 feet, and perform a short-radius right turn to align with the runway for a simulated landing. Under normal circumstances, they would execute a low-altitude go-around.
However, the first four circuits were normal, but during the fifth, the aircraft crashed while turning right at an altitude of 500 to 1,000 feet. No abnormal radio calls were made. After the tower was notified, fire crews were dispatched and extinguished the fire at 8:53 AM, discovering both pilots deceased inside the cabin. There was no ejection or prior hospitalization, and the T-34 does not carry a black box.
Regarding external concerns about why a propeller plane would crash nose-down instead of gliding, the Air Force responded that if the aircraft is at a specific angle or bank, it may lose lift, affecting its gliding capability. The exact cause of the lift loss is pending investigation.
The military noted that initial reviews of radio transcripts showed no reports of engine failure. Further investigations into mechanical, environmental, and human factors will be conducted. Addressing concerns about the age of the T-34, the Air Force clarified that it is still used by three countries, maintained by AIDC, and remains within its service life, refuting claims that it is "life-threatening."
The bodies were transported to the Kaohsiung Municipal Funeral Home, with a forensic examination scheduled for tomorrow.
The T-34 trainer (tail number 3414), piloted by Lieutenant Colonels Kuo Chun-nan and Lu Chi-yu, was conducting a "simulated engine failure" training flight at the Kaohsiung Gangshan Base. It crashed at the north end of the runway 21 minutes after takeoff. The Air Force Command held a press conference at 3:30 PM to explain the accident.
The Air Force stated that the pilots were performing the fifth circuit of the day, practicing "simulated engine failure." According to regulations, pilots must maintain an altitude above 500 feet, use airspeed to gain remaining altitude, climb to between 500 and 1,000 feet, and perform a short-radius right turn to align with the runway for a simulated landing. Under normal circumstances, they would execute a low-altitude go-around.
However, the first four circuits were normal, but during the fifth, the aircraft crashed while turning right at an altitude of 500 to 1,000 feet. No abnormal radio calls were made. After the tower was notified, fire crews were dispatched and extinguished the fire at 8:53 AM, discovering both pilots deceased inside the cabin. There was no ejection or prior hospitalization, and the T-34 does not carry a black box.
Regarding external concerns about why a propeller plane would crash nose-down instead of gliding, the Air Force responded that if the aircraft is at a specific angle or bank, it may lose lift, affecting its gliding capability. The exact cause of the lift loss is pending investigation.
The military noted that initial reviews of radio transcripts showed no reports of engine failure. Further investigations into mechanical, environmental, and human factors will be conducted. Addressing concerns about the age of the T-34, the Air Force clarified that it is still used by three countries, maintained by AIDC, and remains within its service life, refuting claims that it is "life-threatening."
The bodies were transported to the Kaohsiung Municipal Funeral Home, with a forensic examination scheduled for tomorrow.
FAQ
About the Taiwan Air Force T-34 crash
It was a training accident currently under investigation.