Pohang: All four Navy officers aboard a maritime patrol aircraft were killed after the plane crashed on a mountain in the southeastern city of Pohang, the Navy confirmed. The tragic incident occurred at approximately 1:49 p.m., with witnesses reporting smoke and sounds of explosions emanating from the crash site.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the P-3 maritime patrol aircraft had taken off at 1:43 p.m. for landing and takeoff training from a nearby air base. The aircraft, which typically operated from a Navy unit on the southern island of Jeju, had flown to Pohang specifically for training purposes. The four individuals aboard included two commissioned officers and two non-commissioned officers, all of whom were recovered deceased from the crash site. Their identities have yet to be disclosed.
In response to the crash, the Navy has launched an investigative unit to determine the cause of the incident and has grounded all P-3 maritime patrol aircraft as a precaution. Thankfully, no civilian casualties have been reported in the aftermath of the crash.
Acting President Lee Ju-ho was promptly briefed on the situation by acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho. In response, Lee emphasized the need for exhaustive efforts to ensure the safety of the surrounding area and to mitigate any potential environmental damage.
The P-3 aircraft, often referred to as the "submarine killer" due to its anti-submarine capabilities, is a critical component of the Navy's operational fleet. The crash in Pohang marks the first recorded incident involving a P-3 aircraft since their deployment, which began in 1995 with the introduction of the P-3C model, followed by the P-3CK model, renovated by Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd.