Tragic Crash of South Korean Navy Patrol Plane: What We Know So Far
Navy Patrol Aircraft Crashes in Pohang
Seoul: A Navy patrol aircraft, with four individuals on board, tragically crashed into a mountain in Pohang, located in southeastern South Korea, on Thursday, according to official reports.
Rescue teams quickly recovered three bodies from the wreckage.
The incident took place at approximately 1:50 p.m., with witnesses noting smoke billowing from the crash site.
The Navy confirmed that the P-3 maritime patrol aircraft had taken off for a training mission from a local air base just seven minutes prior to the crash.
The cause of the accident remains unknown, and the Navy has initiated an investigation to gather more information, including details about the casualties. Fortunately, no civilian injuries have been reported.
Firefighters have been dispatched to the location to manage the blaze.
Acting President Lee Ju-ho received updates on the situation from Acting Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho and has urged comprehensive efforts to rescue the crew and mitigate environmental damage.
The Navy operates a fleet of 16 P-3C aircraft, known for their anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
This incident marks the first recorded crash of a P-3C aircraft in the South Korean military.
In a separate incident, a Jeju Air flight carrying 183 passengers and six crew members experienced a brief runway excursion upon landing in Vietnam, but no injuries were reported.
The flight, designated 7C2217, had departed from Incheon International Airport and landed at Da Nang International Airport around 12:50 a.m. local time.
While taxiing, the aircraft veered slightly off the runway but quickly returned to the tarmac, resulting in a torn tyre.
Jeju Air replaced the damaged tyre after all passengers disembarked and sent a replacement aircraft from South Korea for the return journey, which was delayed by over 14 hours.
The South Korean transport ministry is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the runway incident.