Forensic analysts have identified a probable cause of death for the pilot who died in Monday’s F-5E jet crash. According to their preliminary findings, First Lieutenant Lo Shang-hua died from a head injury sustained when his ejection seat was activated. Speaking to lawmakers on Tuesday, Premier Su Tseng-chang said the Air Force already had plans to replace the ejection seats of its entire F5 fleet. He said a budget of NT$600 million had been earmarked and could be disbursed immediately.
Su said it is true that the F-5E is an older aircraft. He emphasized that it will be phased out an appropriate time. Currently, Taiwan’s entire F5 fleet is grounded for safety inspections.
