NEW TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN — Taiwan's Chief of General Staff, General Shen Yi-ming, was en route to visit troops at a military base in Yilan when the Blackhawk helicopter he was traveling in crashed on Thursday, killing him and seven other officers.<br /><br />Citing a military spokesman, the Liberty Times reports that the reason for the incident is unknown as visibility was good that day. <br /><br />According to the United Daily News, the pilots reported favorable conditions for landing in their last communication at 8:07 p.m.<br /><br />Shortly afterward, the military lost contact with the helicopter as the radar signature disappeared over a naval base in Yilan.<br /><br />Citing first responders, the Liberty Times reports that the helicopter crashed to the west of its last reported location in the mountains between New Taipei City and Yilan.<br /><br />Eight high-ranking officers and aircrew were killed, including Sheng. Five other passengers were rescued.<br /><br />The United Daily News reports that a Military News Agency journalist, who was pinned by the wreckage, was able to call for help with her cellphone. She was rescued with injuries.<br /><br />Another wounded officer helped guide rescuers to the crash site through heavy mist by blowing a rescue whistle.
