Lai mourns pilots killed in trainer aircraft accident, orders probe

Taipei, June 2 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday expressed condolences for two Air Force lieutenant colonels who were killed in a T-34 trainer aircraft crash in southern Taiwan and said a task force had been established to probe the cause of the accident and prevent similar tragedies.

"I'm deeply saddened by this sudden tragedy. On behalf of the country, I would like to thank the two pilots for their sacrifices and contributions and extend my deepest condolences to their families," Lai told reporters in Taipei.

Lai said he had instructed the Ministry of National Defense to establish a task force to determine the cause of the accident as soon as possible and prevent similar incidents from recurring.

He also directed the ministry to assist the bereaved families with funeral arrangements to ensure the pilots receive a proper farewell, Lai added.

In a statement, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said the task force would review the aircraft's mechanical condition, training procedures, and safety measures to ensure the safety of future exercises.

According to the Air Force, the aircraft, bearing tail number 3414, was being flown by Lt. Col. Lu Chi-yu (盧季佑) and Lt. Col. Kuo Chun-nan (過俊男) on a simulated engine-failure training mission. The aircraft crashed near the northern end of the runway at 8:08 a.m. at Gangshan Air Base in Kaohsiung, killing both pilots, the Air Force said.

Further details were not immediately available.