Seoul: The Air Force reaffirmed pilot error as the main cause of an unprecedented mistaken bombing on a civilian town last week, as it released Monday the interim probe results of the fighter jet accident. Two KF-16 fighter jets "abnormally" dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside a training range in Pocheon, some 40 kilometers north of Seoul, during live-fire drills Thursday, injuring 29, including 15 civilians.
According to Yonhap News Agency, an initial probe by the Air Force earlier indicated that pilot error was suspected to have caused the accidental bombing, as one of the pilots entered the wrong target coordinates prior to takeoff. The Air Force stated that the pilot of the first aircraft should have double-checked the target at least three times but failed to do so.
The pilot was required to confirm the target when entering the coordinates in a joint mission planning system computer and when checking the aircraft after fitting a data transfer cartridge ahead of takeoff. After takeoff, the pilot noticed a discrepancy in the flight route compared to a preparatory training course but proceeded with the bombing without verifying the coordinates to meet the target time.
The Air Force also pointed to inadequate management and inspection procedures, noting that specific instructions were not provided to the pilot by superiors. As preventive measures, the Air Force pledged to enhance procedures for confirming target coordinates during live-fire drills and to improve its overall reporting system for abnormal situations.
The armed services announced plans to strengthen mission inspections and safety training for pilots involved in live-fire drills. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Young-su issued a public apology, acknowledging the harm inflicted on civilians and emphasizing that such accidents should never occur again.
Following the incident, the Air Force had grounded nearly all aircraft but plans to resume flight training in phases, coinciding with a major joint exercise between South Korea and the United States. However, live-fire drills will only resume once preventive measures are fully established and implemented.