Flight data recorder of crashed F-16 found

Taiwan’s Air Force Command announced this evening that the flight data recorder (black box) of an F-16V fighter that crashed into the sea on Taiwan’s west coast has been found.

The single-seat fighter plane crashed into the sea close to the shore of the Aogu Wetlands in Dongshi Township, Chiayi County, during a training mission on Tuesday, January 11.

A search and rescue mission turned into a salvage and recovery operation after it was confirmed that the 28-year-old pilot, Captain Chen Yi was killed in the crash.

As of Friday, January 14, 1,700 pieces of wreckage had been recovered, along with pieces of human remains that were identified by DNA analysis as belonging to Captain Chen. Saturday, January 15, family members went to the site to perform the Taoist ceremony of summoning the soul home.

Heavy machinery was deployed to the crash site Saturday and Sunday. Equipment included a large standard excavator, three amphibious excavators, and a sand dredge.

Earlier today, Monday, January 17, it was reported that more remains of the pilot had been recovered. Shortly after 8:00 pm, Air Force Command announced that the black box had been found and recovered.

AFC said the flight data recorder will be analyzed in an attempt to determine the cause of the crash.

Taiwan English News is an independent publication with no corporate funding. If you found this article informative, and would like to support my work, please buy me a coffee or support me on Patreon. Subscribe to Taiwan English News for free to receive the latest news via email. Advertising queries are welcome. Share, like, comment below.