Salvage operation for crashed F-16 suspended until April-May 2021

Air Force Command announced today that salvage operations for an F-16 that crashed off the coast of Hualien County will be suspended until April and May next year, due to poor weather and ocean conditions.

The aircraft, carrying one pilot, went down around 13 kilometers northeast of Hualien City on November 17.

See previous story: F-16 missing, suspected crashed off east coast of Taiwan

The statement said that the location of the downed aircraft had been effectively calibrated after 56 air sorties, and 201 ship surveys, but the rugged seabed terrain, at a depth of over 1,000 meters, and ocean surface conditions during the northeastern monsoon, were unfavorable for salvage operations.

After a comprehensive assessment and the approval of the pilot’s family members, it was decided to suspend salvage operations until April or May next year, when seasonal weather and ocean conditions are expected to be more stable.

Cover Picture: Orrin Hoopman.

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