22-1-2025 (TAIPEI) An incident at a Taiwanese military installation has resulted in the death of a female Air Force officer after she was pulled into a fighter jet engine during a routine inspection procedure, military officials confirmed yesterday.
The tragic accident occurred during the early hours of Tuesday at the Ching Chuan Kang Air Force Base in Taichung, where the officer was conducting a standard post-landing inspection of an Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF) aircraft.
According to Taiwan’s Air Force Command Headquarters, the experienced officer was carrying out final checks on the recently landed aircraft before its engine shutdown sequence when she was suddenly drawn into the starboard engine under circumstances that remain under investigation.
Despite swift emergency response and immediate transportation to a nearby medical facility, medical personnel were unable to save the officer’s life. Her identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Air Force Command spokesman Wing Commander James Chen stated: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and are launching a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise sequence of events that led to this incident. Our thoughts are with the officer’s family during this difficult time.”
Military aviation experts note that jet engine safety protocols typically require strict adherence to specific distances and procedures during inspections, particularly when engines are still active. The Air Force has announced a thorough review of all safety protocols and inspection procedures across its bases.
“A complete examination of our current safety measures and operational procedures will be conducted,” Chen added. “We are committed to implementing any necessary changes to prevent such a devastating incident from occurring again.”
