A search-and-rescue operation is underway off the coast of southwest Taiwan after an F-16 fighter plane crashed into the ocean throughout a coaching train on Tuesday, Taiwan's air power has confirmed.

The one-seater F-16V jet was being piloted by Republic of China Air Pressure (ROCAF) Capt. Chen Yi when the plane disappeared from radars off Dongshi Township in Chiayi at round 3:30 p.m. native time, ROCAF Maj. Gen. Liu Hui-chien instructed a press briefing.

Chen's F-16V—tail code 6650—was unarmed whereas participating in a floor firing train on the Shuixi capturing vary when the American-made jet was seen "crashing into the ocean at a steep angle," mentioned Liu. Witnesses noticed no parachute, he mentioned.

Liu mentioned the rescue mission would proceed into the evening. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen ordered the air power's F-16s to be grounded for inspection, he mentioned.

This can be a growing story.

Taiwan F-16 Pilot Missing After Jet Crash
A newly commissioned fleet of American-made F-16V fighter plane of Taiwan’s Republic of China Air Pressure carry out an “elephant stroll” at Chiayi Air Base, Taiwan, on January 5, 2022. The ROCAF reported one in all its F-16Vs lacking off the coast of Chiayi after the plane crashed into the ocean throughout a coaching train on January 11, 2022.army Information Company / Ministry of Nationwide Protection, Taiwan