P-3 Orion military aircraft crashes in South Korea

South Korea is investigating the crash of a P-3 Orion military patrol aircraft during a training flight. The incident occurred on 29 May near the base in Pohang.

Here's What We Know

The crash occurred at around 13:50 local time in a mountainous area near Pohang. There were four crew members on board. It is not yet known how many of them survived. The country's navy is conducting an investigation, and the scene has been cordoned off and surrounded by rescuers.

According to Yonhap, the crash was recorded by an eyewitness's car dashcam. The footage shows the plane flying at a dangerously low altitude before disappearing over the horizon, followed by smoke and rescue teams. The Navy confirmed that it was a training flight.

The P-3 Orion is a maritime patrol aircraft that has been in service for many years. By the way, South Korea has already ordered new P-8A Poseidon aircraft from the United States to partially replace outdated models. Given recent events, it is not in vain.

This is not the first aviation incident this year. In March, South Korean KF-16 fighter jets accidentally dropped eight Mk82 bombs on the city of Pochon during a training exercise. Seven buildings, including a church, were damaged and seven people were injured.

Source: Yonhap