Synopsis
On March 13, two South Korean Air Force pilots were charged for an accidental bombing incident caused by pilot error during live-fire drills. The incident led to injuries of 38 people, prompting investigations into management practices and pilot actions.Key Takeaways
- Two South Korean Air Force pilots charged for accidental bombing.
- Incident caused injuries to 38 people, including civilians.
- Pilot error identified as the primary cause.
- Inadequate management practices were highlighted.
- Future qualifications of pilots to be reviewed by the Air Force.
Seoul, March 13 (NationPress) Two pilots from the South Korean Air Force were charged on Thursday in connection with an unintended bombing incident that occurred last week, which was attributed to pilot error, according to a statement from the Defence Ministry.
During live-fire drills, two KF-16 fighter jets mistakenly released eight MK-82 bombs on a village outside a training area in Pocheon, approximately 40 kilometers north of Seoul, injuring a total of 38 individuals, including 24 civilians.
As per the announcement to reporters, the Criminal Investigation Command has determined that the erroneous input of target coordinates by the pilots was the direct cause of this incident.
The pilots, who have been charged with professional negligence leading to injury, also face additional charges related to damage to military properties, including a church, as reported by the ministry and Yonhap news agency.
In an interim report released on Monday, the Air Force confirmed that pilot error was primarily to blame for the accidental bombing, noting that the pilots had multiple chances to rectify their mistake after entering incorrect target coordinates before takeoff.
The Air Force further cited poor management and inspection protocols as contributing factors and dismissed two unit commanders for not providing adequate instructions to their teams.
On the day of the incident, the pilots had manually changed the altitude of the target coordinates by 1,500 feet, according to the Air Force. Although the computer system recalculated the altitude following the incorrect latitude input, the pilots adjusted it to align with the training plan.
If the pilots had not made the altitude adjustment, the bombs might have struck a block of military housing, potentially resulting in even greater casualties.
The Air Force stated that while adjusting altitude in accordance with the training plan is standard practice, further investigation is needed to ascertain whether the specific alteration of 1,500 feet is typical.
Additionally, the Air Force is scheduled to hold a meeting next week to discuss the future qualifications of the two pilots to operate aircraft.
