The environment and human error were found as causes of the crash of a US-bought Apache attack helicopter in April. That’s the word from the defense ministry on Tuesday after the results of an investigation into the accident were announced.
The crashed Apache was one of 18 that have been delivered to Taiwan from the U.S. since last November. It was conducting flight training when it crashed into a three-story residential building in Longtan Township, northern Taiwan. Four homes were damaged but no one was seriously hurt.
The Army Command Headquarters said the team tasked with the investigation has ruled out the possibility of mechanical failure.
The headquarters said that the defense ministry has listed 11 items that need improvement after assessing the causes of the accident. They include adjusting the training courses for new pilots, improving the accuracy of weather forecasts, and increasing the number of flight simulation hours.
Meanwhile, the two pilots involved in the accident have been put on suspension. The defense ministry said it has not ruled out the possibility of seeking compensation from the United States.