What Happened to the Navy Officers in the Pohang Aircraft Crash?
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Synopsis
In a tragic incident in Pohang, South Korea, four Navy officers aboard a maritime patrol aircraft were killed when it crashed into a mountain. With ongoing investigations, the Navy is working to uncover the cause of this devastating event.
Key Takeaways
- Four Navy officers were tragically killed in a patrol aircraft crash.
- The crash occurred in Pohang at 1:49 p.m.
- The Navy is investigating the cause and has grounded similar aircraft.
- No civilian casualties were reported.
- This incident marks the first crash of a P-3 aircraft in service.
Seoul/Pohang, May 29 (NationPress) Tragically, all four Navy officers on board a maritime patrol aircraft lost their lives when the plane crashed into a mountain in South Korea's southeastern city of Pohang on Thursday, according to the Navy.
The incident transpired at 1:49 p.m., with witnesses reporting smoke billowing from the mountain accompanied by the sound of explosions.
"A P-3 maritime patrol aircraft, which had taken off at 1:43 p.m. for training exercises from an air base in Pohang, crashed in a nearby area at around 1:49 p.m. for reasons that remain unknown," the Navy confirmed.
There were four personnel on board, consisting of two commissioned officers and two non-commissioned officers.
The Navy stated that they have successfully recovered the bodies of all four officers, although their identities have not yet been released.
This aircraft was primarily stationed at a Navy unit on the southern island of Jeju but had traveled to Pohang for training purposes, as indicated by a Navy official.
The Navy has initiated an investigative team to delve into the specifics of the incident and has temporarily grounded the P-3 maritime patrol aircraft.
No civilian injuries have been reported, as per Yonhap news agency.
Acting President Lee Ju-ho received a briefing on the crash from Acting Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho and has called for comprehensive efforts to rescue any survivors and mitigate any environmental impact, as stated by his office.
The Navy operates 16 P-3 aircraft, often referred to as the "submarine killer" due to their anti-submarine capabilities. The initial batch of eight, known as the P-3C, was deployed in 1995, followed by another eight that were upgraded by Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. and designated as P-3CK.
The aircraft involved in Thursday's accident is one of the eight P-3CK planes currently operational in Pohang and Jeju.
This incident marks the first recorded crash of a P-3 aircraft utilized by the armed forces.
The Transport Ministry of South Korea is actively investigating the cause of this tragic event.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach incidents like this with sensitivity and an emphasis on factual reporting. The loss of these four Navy officers is a profound tragedy, and our thoughts are with their families and comrades during this difficult time. We commit to providing thorough coverage as investigations progress.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the aircraft crash in Pohang?
The exact cause of the crash is currently under investigation by South Korea's Transport Ministry.
How many officers were on board the aircraft?
There were four Navy officers on board the maritime patrol aircraft.
What type of aircraft was involved in the crash?
The aircraft involved was a P-3 maritime patrol aircraft.
Have the identities of the officers been released?
No, the identities of the deceased officers have not yet been confirmed.
What steps is the Navy taking following the crash?
The Navy has launched an investigative unit and grounded the P-3 maritime patrol aircraft.
