What Happened After a Navy Patrol Plane Crashed in South Korea?

Synopsis
A Navy patrol plane crashes in South Korea's Pohang, claiming three lives. The incident raises concerns over safety protocols as investigations commence. Discover the details surrounding this tragic event and its implications for military aviation.
Key Takeaways
- A Navy patrol plane crashed in Pohang, resulting in three fatalities.
- Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.
- Fire services were deployed to manage the incident's aftermath.
- The Navy operates P-3C aircraft known for their submarine detection capabilities.
- This marks the first known crash of a P-3C aircraft in service.
Seoul, May 29 (NationPress) A Navy patrol aircraft with four individuals on board tragically crashed into a mountain in the southeastern city of Pohang on Thursday, as reported by authorities.
Shortly thereafter, rescue teams discovered three bodies amid the wreckage.
The incident transpired at 1:50 p.m., with witnesses noting smoke billowing from the mountain.
According to a statement from the Navy, "A P-3 maritime patrol plane that took off for training from an air base in Pohang at 1:43 p.m. went down in a nearby area for reasons that remain unclear."
The Navy confirmed that four personnel were on the aircraft and has initiated an investigative unit to ascertain further details, including potential casualties. Fortunately, no civilian injuries were reported, as noted by Yonhap news agency.
Fire services have been deployed to the site to extinguish the flames.
Acting President Lee Ju-ho received a briefing on the incident from Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho and has called for comprehensive efforts to rescue the passengers and safeguard the surrounding environment, according to his office.
The Navy operates 16 P-3C aircraft, known as the "submarine killer" due to their anti-submarine capabilities.
This accident represents the first documented crash involving a P-3C aircraft utilized by the armed forces.
In a related event, a Jeju Air Co. flight with 183 passengers and six crew members briefly strayed off the runway after landing at a Vietnamese airport, with no injuries reported.
Jeju Air's Flight 7C2217, which involved a B737-800 aircraft, departed from Incheon International Airport and arrived at Da Nang International Airport at approximately 12:50 a.m. local time on Wednesday.
While taxiing on the runway, the plane momentarily veered onto a safety zone to the right before returning to the tarmac.
One of the landing gear tires was damaged during the event.
Jeju Air replaced the tire after all passengers disembarked and sent a replacement aircraft of the same model from South Korea for the return journey, Flight 7C2218.
The return flight was delayed by over 14 hours, departing Da Nang at 4:08 p.m. on Wednesday.
South Korea's transport ministry is currently probing the cause of the runway deviation.