KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan — A tragic aviation accident occurred on the morning of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, when a Taiwanese military T-34 trainer aircraft crashed during a routine training exercise, claiming the lives of two experienced pilots.

The crash took place at approximately 8:08 a.m. at the northern end of the runway at the Gangshan Air Base in the southern city of Kaohsiung. The aircraft, identified by tail number 3414, was conducting a flight training mission that simulated engine failure when it lost control for reasons currently unknown. Both pilots on board were killed in the impact and were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Taiwan Air Force identified the deceased as Lieutenant Colonel Lu Chi-yu and Lieutenant Colonel Kuo Chun-nan. Both were highly experienced aviators, each having accumulated more than 2,000 flight hours in the T-34 aircraft.

Lieutenant Colonel Kuo Chun-nan, 46, was a 2004 graduate of the Republic of China Air Force Academy. His colleague, 41-year-old Lieutenant Colonel Lu Chi-yu, graduated from the same academy in 2008 and is survived by his wife and two children.

In response to the tragedy, Taiwan’s President William Lai expressed his deep condolences, stating, "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".

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo has directed the Air Force to provide immediate assistance to the families of the fallen pilots and has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the crash. A special task force has been established to examine the aircraft’s mechanical condition, safety protocols, and training procedures to prevent future occurrences.

The T-34 trainer, which has been in service in Taiwan since 1984, remains a primary training platform for the nation's pilots, with plans for its gradual retirement by 2033.