Air force F-16V fighter reported to have crashed at sea

An ROC Air Force F-16V fighter aircraft crashed into the sea off the coast of Chiayi County, according reports this afternoon, Tuesday, January 11.

The single-seat F-16V No.6650 was conducting air-to-ground bombing training when it crashed into the sear near Dongshi Township at 3:23 pm.

Coast Guard vessels and two military helicopters were immediately dispatched to search for the 28-year-old pilot, Captain Chen Yi.

Air Force Command stated in a press release this afternoon that the fighter jet No. 6650 piloted by flight officer Captain Chen Yi took off from Chiayi Air Force Base at 2:55 pm today for a routine training mission, but at 3:23 pm, the aircraft disappeared from radar screens in the vicinity of the Shuixi shooting range in Dongshi Township. The Air Force has established a response center and launched a search and rescue operation.

Members of the public on shore are reported to have witnessed the crash west of the North Dike of the Aogu Wetlands and Forest Park.

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