TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Taiwan Air Force fighter pilot who ejected from his aircraft and landed in the ocean on Tuesday (Sept. 10) is recovering well and should be discharged within days if his condition remains stable.

Wei Chih-wei (魏智偉), a doctor at the hospital caring for Hsieh, said on Thursday (Sept. 12) there were initially fears Captain Hsieh Pei-hsun (謝沛勳) had contracted pneumonia from inhaling seawater. However, he said Hsieh’s inflammation levels have now dropped and he will be discharged “in a few days” if his condition remains stable, per CNA.

Hsieh is under observation in a Taichung hospital with injuries to his back and neck.

Hsieh was pictured in good spirits during a visit by members of Taoyuan City Government on Wednesday (Sept. 11). During the visit Hsieh told reporters he had not been put off by the crash, and that he hoped to return to flying as soon as possible, per LTN.  

The Taiwan Air Force said on Wednesday that Hsieh ejected from a Mirage 2000 fighter jet during an exercise on Tuesday evening after its engine lost thrust. An  investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing.