On January 2, 2020, a Black Hawk helicopter conducting a routine training flight from a military base in northern Taipei lost contact with air traffic controllers less than fifteen minutes after takeoff. The aircraft, a UH‑60M model, made an emergency landing in a hilly area and disappeared from radar, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation. Taiwan’s defense ministry confirmed the incident and activated a task force to determine the cause.
The helicopter was carrying three personnel, among them Air Force General Shen Yi‑ming, who serves as the island’s chief of the general staff. Air force commander Hsiung Hou‑chi remarked, “The helicopter disappeared from radar less than 15 minutes after taking off.” Rescue teams were dispatched to locate the aircraft and its occupants.
Rescue Efforts Confront Harsh Terrain
Ground crews faced difficult conditions as they moved through slippery slopes and dense forest. Operation supervisor Chen Chung‑chi described the scene: “It had been raining in the mountains in the past few days, the mountain roads are muddy and very steep. We are racing against time.” Recent rainfall had left the mountain roads muddy and steep, complicating the search.
A fire department official in Taipei later reported that General Shen had been found alive, although the defense ministry had not yet verified that claim at the time of the report.
Political Timing and Official Reactions
The mishap occurred just days before Taiwan’s presidential and parliamentary elections, set for January 11, 2020. President Tsai Ing‑wen, who was seeking re‑election, canceled some campaign activities to monitor the rescue effort.
While the timing sparked discussion about potential political repercussions, authorities emphasized that the primary concern remained the safety of those aboard the helicopter.
Investigation Launched
The defense ministry established a task force to investigate the crash. Officials said it was too early to conclude whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or environmental factors contributed to the emergency landing.
Weather in the mountainous region had been poor, with rain and low visibility reported. The helicopter had been on a routine training mission when communication ceased.
