T-34C Crash Kills 2 Pilots; Presidential Order: Posthumous Promotion to Air Force Colonel

(Central News Agency reporters Yeh Su-ping and Yu Kai-hsiang, Taipei, June 11) An Air Force T-34C trainer crashed on the 2nd, resulting in the deaths of two pilots. The Presidential Office issued a presidential order today posthumously promoting the late Air Force Lieutenant Colonels Kuo Chun-nan and Lu Chi-yu to the rank of Air Force Colonel. The order is effective from June 2.

The T-34C primary trainer (tail number 3414) from the Kangshan Air Base in Kaohsiung crashed at the northern end of the runway 21 minutes after takeoff on the 2nd while Lieutenant Colonels Kuo and Lu were conducting simulated engine failure navigation training, resulting in the deaths of both pilots.

The Presidential Office issued the presidential order today, promoting Kuo Chun-nan and Lu Chi-yu to Air Force Colonel. This order is effective from June 2, 2026 (Republic of China Year 115). (Editor: Hsieh Chia-chen) June 11, 2026