Families of Fallen T-34C Pilots Arrive at Kaohsiung Funeral Home; Prosecutors Conduct Autopsy

(Central News Agency reporter Hong Xue-gao, Kaohsiung, 3rd) The crash of an Air Force T-34C trainer aircraft resulted in the deaths of two pilots. Prosecutors arrived at Kaohsiung Municipal Funeral Home at noon to conduct an autopsy with forensic doctors to determine the cause of death. The family of fallen pilot Lu Chi-yu has arrived at the funeral home but declined to be interviewed. The family of the other fallen pilot, Guo Jyun-nan, is expected to arrive later.

Lieutenant Colonels Guo Jyun-nan and Lu Chi-yu were piloting a T-34C trainer aircraft at Kaohsiung Gangshan Air Base on the morning of the 2nd, conducting a simulated engine failure exercise on the takeoff and landing pattern. The aircraft crashed at the northern end of the runway 21 minutes after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

Chief Prosecutor Cheng Tzu-wei and Prosecutor Hsu Ya-wen of the Qiaotou District Prosecutors Office arrived at Kaohsiung Municipal Funeral Home with forensic doctors shortly before noon. Subsequently, the Kaohsiung City Police Department's forensic team also entered the autopsy room to assist.

Lieutenant Colonel Lu Chi-yu's parents, wife, and relatives arrived by vehicle around 1:00 PM and declined media interviews. Guo Jyun-nan's relatives are expected to arrive at 3:00 PM. The prosecution will conduct an autopsy on the bodies of the two pilots in the afternoon to determine the exact cause of death, with the process expected to continue until the evening.

The military held a briefing yesterday, ordering the suspension of T-34C training missions under "Tian An No. 4" operations, enhanced aircraft maintenance inspections, and academic and simulator training for pilots. A special investigation team has been established to list all possible causes based on existing evidence, aiming to determine the main cause of the crash as soon as possible.

The military stated that based on preliminary data such as voice recordings and radio communications, no anomalies or engine failures were reported via radio. The T-34C trainer does not have a black box. Subsequent investigations will thoroughly examine mechanical, environmental, and human factors to clarify the cause of the accident. (Editor: Huang Ming-hsi) 1150603