Taiwanese Female Officer Sucked into Fighter Jet Engine, Dies

A Taiwanese Air Force officer died on January 21, 2025, after being sucked into the engine of an F-CK-1 Indigenous Defense Fighter at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taichung.

The incident occurred during routine maintenance after the jet landed, prompting an investigation to determine the cause and prevent future accidents.

The Air Force Command identified the officer as Master Sergeant Hu, 41, who was conducting a final inspection of the aircraft. According to officials, the accident happened shortly before the engine was fully shut down. For reasons yet to be clarified, the right-side engine pulled her in. Despite colleagues rushing her to the hospital, she was pronounced dead at 11:40 a.m.

Taiwan’s Air Force has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Operations involving the F-CK-1 fighter jets at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base were temporarily suspended following the tragedy. A statement from the Air Force Command emphasized the need to review procedures and implement measures to enhance safety for personnel working near active engines.

The F-CK-1, commonly known as the Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF), is a domestically produced multirole combat aircraft named after former Taiwanese President Chiang Ching-kuo. It was developed by the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) and entered service in 1992. Designed to perform air defense and ground-attack missions, the F-CK-1 has been a critical component of Taiwan’s defense strategy.

This accident marks a rare but severe safety breach in military aviation. Engine-related accidents during maintenance are considered high-risk due to the powerful suction created by turbine intakes, even during partial operation. Experts highlight that clear communication and adherence to safety protocols are crucial when working in close proximity to active engines.