Military aircraft shot down during joint naval exercise

4 fatalities • Taitung, Taiwan • Flight

An aircraft participating in a joint military exercise with the Taiwan Navy was accidentally destroyed by a surface-to-air missile over the Taiwan Strait.

What happened

During a joint military training operation involving the Taiwan Navy, an aircraft was performing a mission that included towing a target. While the aircraft was in the cruise phase of flight over the Taiwan Strait, it was struck by a surface-to-air missile. The missile had been launched from a Taiwan Navy frigate during the exercise.

Upon impact, the aircraft experienced an explosion. Following the incident, wreckage and debris from the aircraft were located in the waters off Taitung. The flight involved a total of four crew members, all of whom were killed in the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the event determined that the aircraft was mistakenly shot down by friendly fire from a naval vessel's missile system during the course of the maritime exercise.

Probable cause

The aircraft was accidentally struck by a surface-to-air missile launched from a Taiwan Navy frigate during a military exercise.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-09-17 Learjet 35 accident near Taitung, Taiwan?

An aircraft participating in a joint military exercise with the Taiwan Navy was accidentally destroyed by a surface-to-air missile over the Taiwan Strait.

Were there any fatalities in the 1994-09-17 Learjet 35 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-09-17 involved a Learjet 35, registration B-98181, operated by Golden Eagle Aviation - Taiwan, at Taitung, Taiwan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was accidentally struck by a surface-to-air missile launched from a Taiwan Navy frigate during a military exercise.

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