Air Force KF-16 Fighter Jet Bomb Misdrop Accident
Caused by Pilot's Incorrect Coordinate Input
During a combined Korea-US live-fire exercise, an accident occurred in which a total of 15 civilians and military personnel sustained serious and moderate injuries due to a bomb misdrop by a KF-16 fighter jet of the Republic of Korea Air Force. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force expressed a firm stance to take the abnormal drop incident seriously, thoroughly investigate the case, and hold those responsible accountable.
On the 6th, Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Young-soo stated in a press release, "We sincerely apologize to the residents of Nogok-ri, Pocheon City, who were injured, greatly shocked, and suffered property damage due to this unexpected accident during peaceful daily life," adding, "The Air Force takes this abnormal drop incident very seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable."
On the 6th, a misfire accident involving an Air Force fighter jet occurred in Nogok-ri, Idong-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi Province, with smoke rising from the accident site. Photo by Yonhap News
Chief Lee emphasized that measures will be put in place to prevent the recurrence of such accidents. In particular, taking this accident as an opportunity, the Air Force plans to conduct comprehensive safety training for all personnel handling aviation armaments, including former pilots. They also plan to enhance verification procedures.
Chief Lee said, "We will provide maximum compensation for the mental, physical, and property damages suffered by the residents," and added, "We apologize once again for causing great concern, and we will renew our efforts to become an Air Force that the public can trust."
According to the Air Force, 13 fighter jets including F-35A, F-15K, KF-16, and FA-50 participated in the 'Combined Joint Integrated Fire Live-Fire Exercise' held that day. They flew in five formations, and the accident occurred in the formation consisting of two KF-16 jets. The eight MK-82 bombs mistakenly dropped by the jets fell about 8 km away from the target. The MK-82 is a bomb typically used for destroying buildings and bridges, creating an explosion crater 8 meters in diameter and 2.4 meters deep. The lethal radius of a single bomb covers an area roughly the size of a soccer field.
As a result of this accident, a total of 15 people, including five military personnel (three officers and two soldiers) and civilians, sustained serious and moderate injuries. The five military personnel were reported to have been at a religious facility where the bombs were abnormally dropped and at a nearby unit.
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