Pilot rescued after parachuting out of Brave Eagle jet trainer

Taipei, Feb. 15 (CNA) An Air Force pilot who parachuted from a Brave Eagle jet trainer was rescued after both engines of his aircraft apparently failed, causing it to crash into the waters off Taitung, eastern Taiwan, on Saturday morning.

According to military sources, the advanced jet trainer (AJT) carried just the pilot during a Saturday flight.

Update: Brave Eagle jet trainer fleet grounded following crash

In a statement, the Air Force Command Headquarters said at 8:40 a.m., engine failure was reported after take off and the pilot, surnamed Lin (林), parachuted out of the craft.

Local fishing boats, the Coast Guard Administration, and the National Airborne Service Corps were deployed to search for and rescue the pilot after the plane crashed into the waters off Taitung County's Dulan coastal area.

The military later confirmed that the pilot was safe and was taken to the Mackay Memorial Hospital Taitung Branch.

A taskforce has been established to investigate the crash, the Air Force said.

Saturday's incident marked the first time a Brave Eagle had suffered an accident since its delivery to the Air Force in 2021.