[Comprehensive] This Time Fire During KF-16 Fighter Jet Takeoff... Air Force Faces Consecutive Setbacks

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] An accident occurred in which an Air Force KF-16 fighter jet experienced a mechanical failure during takeoff roll, causing the pilot to eject in an emergency.

According to the Air Force, at around 2:31 p.m. that day, a KF-16 fighter jet belonging to the Air Force's 20th Fighter Wing in Seosan, Chungnam, experienced a mechanical failure during takeoff roll, prompting the pilot to eject. Due to this accident, flights of KF-16 fighter jets from the 20th Fighter Wing will be suspended for the time being.

The Air Force stated, "The pilot is safe, and the accident aircraft is located between runways within the unit," adding, "A flight accident countermeasure headquarters, led by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force, has been formed to investigate the exact cause."

The 20th Fighter Wing is also the unit where a recent case of a non-commissioned officer's death due to sexual harassment occurred, and it is currently under investigation by the Ministry of National Defense prosecution team.

Regarding the sexual harassment death case involving an Air Force Staff Sergeant, the Ministry of National Defense stated, "An investigation is being conducted without any sanctuary." When asked whether the investigation includes the Minister, a military official replied, "The investigation is being conducted without any sanctuary. Whether the Minister is involved will be determined later, but the investigation is proceeding under that principle."

Additionally, student pilots belonging to the Air Force's 3rd Training Wing in Sacheon, Gyeongnam, were caught holding a gathering in violation of COVID-19 prevention guidelines. It was confirmed that 12 student pilots from the 3rd Training Wing drank alcohol while having dinner inside the unit on the evening of the 4th to celebrate their first solo flight. This occurred on the same day that former Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Seong-yong resigned in connection with the sexual harassment death case of the non-commissioned officer.