4 days ago
20
March 11, 2025 | 11:10 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The South Korean Air Force on Monday confirmed that a pilot error was the root cause of an incident where a fighter jet mistakenly dropped artillery bombs in a civilian residential area last week, as quoted by Antara.
On Thursday, two KF-16 planes were reported to have mistakenly dropped eight MK-82 bombs, each weighing a quarter of a ton, outside the designated training area located 26 miles from Seoul, with one of them falling in Nogok Village.
The bombs damaged five houses and resulted in at least 15 injuries, according to the Chosun Ilbo newspaper. A warehouse, church, greenhouse, and a truck were also reported to be damaged.
The news agency Yonhap reported that initial investigation results showed that the pilot incorrectly inputted the target coordinates and disregarded the three-step verification procedure before firing.
It is still unknown whether the pilot misread or misheard the coordinates that should have been used.
Meanwhile, the pilot's commander failed to perform his duty to check and instruct for the firing of weapons.
The South Korean Air Force stated, as reported by Yonhap, that the first jet pilot did not recheck the target at least three times during the task execution.
The first jet pilot was said to have failed to realize his mistake when inputting coordinates into the mission planning system and did not inspect the aircraft after the flight data transfer device was installed before takeoff.
The pilot ignored minor changes in the flight route and instead started dropping the bombs without verifying coordinates to complete the task on time.
The second jet pilot was known to have inputted the correct coordinates. However, because the exercise was a simultaneous attack, he followed the actions of the first aircraft.
The Chairperson of the South Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that the incident occurred amid joint South Korea-United States exercises at the Seungjin Shooting Range in Pocheon. The exercise involved F-35A, F-15K, KF-16, and FA-50 fighter jets.
The number of casualties due to the bombs dropped by the South Korean fighter jets has increased, from the initial 15 to 29 victims.
Editor's Choice: Negotiations in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine to Propose Ceasefire in Air and Sea
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
500kg WWII Bomb Found Near Paris Train Station
1 hari lalu
A half-ton giant bomb has been found at the Gare du Nord train station in Paris. The bomb is a remnant from World War II.
Today's Top 3 News: Apple Gets Local Content Certificates in Indonesia, Still Needs More Permits
2 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today, March 8, 2025.
South Korea's President Yoon Free, Trials Continue After Court Quashes Detention
2 hari lalu
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol walked out of a detention center in Seoul on Saturday.
South Korea Says Number Injured in Fighter Jet Misfire Rises to 29
3 hari lalu
Two South Korean fighter jets mistakenly dropped eight air-to-surface bombs on a civilian town on Thursday.
A Guide to 5-Day Jeju Island Itinerary: Explore South Korea's Paradise
3 hari lalu
Here's an inspiration for a 5-day Jeju Island itinerary. Discover stunning beaches, waterfalls, and must-visit attractions for a memorable trip.
South Korea Court Cancels President Yoon's Arrest Warrant, Yonhap Says
3 hari lalu
A South Korean court cancelled on Friday, impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's arrest warrant.
South Korea Air Force Jets Accidentally Drop Bombs on Homes, Injuring 15
4 hari lalu
Fifteen people were injured in South Korea on Thursday, March 6, 2025, after bombs dropped by fighter jets landed in a civilian district.
Korean Tourists Flock to Ramadan Food Bazaar at Batam's Dang Anom Market
5 hari lalu
Seventy MSME vendors in the Ramadan bazaar at Dang Anom Park in Batam sell various Ramadan specialties that attract the attention of Korean tourists.
North Korea's Kim Yo Jong Says U.S. 'Provocation' Justifies Nuclear Build-up
6 hari lalu
Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un's sister, justifies North Korea's action to bolster nuclear weapons capability.
Race for 2031 Asian Cup Heats up as South Korea Expresses Interest
10 hari lalu
South Korea's football association said it had submitted a "letter of intent" to host the 2031 Asian Cup to the AFC.
