Pohang: A Navy patrol plane carrying four people crashed on a mountain in the southeastern city of Pohang on Thursday, authorities said. The crash occurred at 1:50 p.m., and witnesses reported smoke rising from the mountain.
According to Yonhap News Agency, "A P-3 maritime patrol aircraft that took off for training from an air base in Pohang at 1:43 p.m. crashed at a nearby location due to unidentified reasons," the Navy said in a notice to reporters. The Navy confirmed that four people were aboard the aircraft and has launched an investigative unit to look into further details, including casualties. No civilian casualties were reported.
Fire authorities have been dispatched to the scene to extinguish the fire. Acting President Lee Ju-ho was briefed on the crash by acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho and called for all-out efforts to rescue the passengers and prevent further damage to the surrounding environment, his office said.
The Navy operates 16 P-3C aircraft, often referred to as the "submarine killer" for its anti-submarine capabilities. This recent accident marks the first known crash involving a P-3C aircraft deployed by the armed service.