[Comprehensive] One F-4 Fighter Jet Crashes in the West Sea... Pilot Escapes Safely

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] On the 12th, it was confirmed that an Air Force F-4E fighter jet crashed into the West Sea due to an engine fire. The two pilots ejected safely and are reported to be unharmed.

According to the Air Force, around 12:20 PM that day, an F-4E fighter jet crashed 9 km south of Jeongok Port in Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi Province while on a mission.

The aircraft had taken off from Suwon Base in Gyeonggi at approximately 11:41 AM that morning and was returning after completing its mission.

The Air Force explained, "The pilots recognized the engine fire and turned the aircraft toward a coastal area without residential houses before ejecting in an emergency."

Currently, the two pilots have been transported to the Aerospace Medical Center and are reported to be in good health. The Air Force has formed an accident response committee chaired by Deputy Chief of Staff Yoon Byung-ho to investigate the cause of the accident.

The Air Force added, "All aircraft except reconnaissance assets and emergency standby forces are currently grounded," and "the affected aircraft model will remain grounded until the cause of the accident is determined."

Meanwhile, the F-4E involved in the accident is an aging model that has been in service for over 40 years and is scheduled to be retired around 2024.