Two Taiwanese air force pilots were killed on Tuesday after a military training aircraft crashed during a simulated engine failure exercise at Gangshan Air Base, prompting the suspension of all T-34 training flights, authorities said.

The aircraft, a single-engine propeller trainer used for pilot instruction, went down at 8:08 a.m. local time at the northern end of the runway in Kaohsiung, shortly after taking off for a routine training sortie. According to the air force, the crash occurred approximately 20 minutes into the flight during a simulated emergency drill designed to replicate engine failure conditions.

Military officials confirmed that the two pilots on board—both lieutenant colonels aged 41 and 45—did not report any technical issues before the incident. Air Force Inspector General Major General Chiang Yi-cheng said there were no abnormal radio communications leading up to the crash, suggesting the emergency unfolded rapidly without prior warning signals.

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A task force has been established to investigate the cause of the accident, while training operations involving T-34 aircraft have been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure. The air force said it will review operational procedures and aircraft maintenance protocols as part of the inquiry into the crash.

Taiwan’s air force uses Beechcraft trainer aircraft for basic pilot training, with the platform having been in service since the 1980s. The training fleet remains a key component of pilot preparation despite its age, and has been involved in periodic upgrades and safety reviews over the years.

President Lai Ching-te expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, describing the pilots as “heroic” and praising their dedication and service. The incident follows another recent training accident involving an F-16 fighter jet earlier in the year, underscoring ongoing concerns about operational risks during routine military exercises.

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