TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) visited Captain Hsieh Pei-hsun (謝沛勳) in Taichung on Wednesday (Sept. 11) to commend him for his service following a crash during a nighttime military drill. Hsieh, the pilot of a Mirage-2000 jet (幻象戰機), ejected safely after the aircraft lost power and crashed into the sea off the coast of Hsinchu a day earlier.
The crash occurred at 8:35 p.m., and rescue teams located Hsieh at 10:22 p.m., approximately 16.7 miles southwest of Gangnan Village (港南里). He was immediately transported to Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital (童綜合醫院) in Wuqi District, Taichung, for treatment.
During his visit, President Lai emphasized the importance of ensuring pilot safety and announced that the Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) would conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Lai also called for continued public support for the military, highlighting the rigorous training that takes place around the clock.
The MND, Lai said, will carry out all necessary inspections related to the crash and will keep the public informed as new details emerge.
