The scene of the collision of the Taiwan Air Force fighter jets and the ejection seat of one of the pilots. Photo: https://t.co/KXDe1OONNG pic.twitter.com/iZJXYoVFAZ
— Ivan O'Gilvi (@o_gilvi) March 22, 2021
Two single-seat F-5 Tiger II fighters of the Taiwan Air Force collided off the southeast coast of the island. After the crash, the planes fell into the sea.
The accident occurred on March 22 during a training flight. The search and rescue operation involves an Air Force helicopter, coast guard ships, and other vessels. The ejection seat of one of the pilots was found.
The planes are assigned to the 439th Mixed Aviation Wing from Chihhang Air Base near Pingdong, Dambiev said. One of the pilots, Lieutenant Luo Shanhua, was found in a serious condition, and the second pilot, Lieutenant Pan Yingzhen, is being searched for.
The Taiwan Air Force has suspended F-5 flights, writes The Straits Times, citing the command of the air force. The publication recalled that this is the third plane crash in the island's combat aviation in the last six months. In October, another F-5 crashed, killing the pilot. In November, a much more modern F-16 fighter jet crashed off the east coast of Taiwan, and its pilot was also killed.
Anton Valagin
