Taiwan Air Force Resumes T-34 Training After Fatal Crash Inspections

Kaohsiung: Taiwan's Air Force has resumed using its T-34 trainer aircraft for flight training missions after completing inspections ordered following a fatal crash last week, Air Force headquarters said Saturday in a brief statement.

According to Focus Taiwan, inspections have been completed on key aircraft systems, and personnel have undergone enhanced ground instruction, operational training, and simulator exercises to maintain flight safety, the Air Force said.

On June 2, a T-34C, bearing tail number 3414, crashed at Gangshan Air Base in Kaohsiung during a simulated engine-failure exercise, killing Air Force Lt. Col. Lu Chi-yu and Lt. Col. Kuo Chun-nan. The T-34 fleet was ordered to be immediately grounded that day for inspections.

Concerning the cause of the crash, the Air Force only said that the investigation remains ongoing.