Did South Korean fighter jets drop bombs by mistake due to pilot error?

South Korean military officials said on March 6 that the pilot of the KF-16 fighter jet may have entered the wrong coordinates, leading to the accidental dropping of a bomb on a residential area.

On March 6, two South Korean Air Force KF-16 fighter jets mistakenly dropped eight bombs on a residential area in Pocheon during a live-fire exercise. Responding to reporters, a South Korean Air Force official revealed that initial investigations indicated a pilot had entered incorrect target coordinates before takeoff, leading to the incident. The two fighter jets subsequently dropped their bombs approximately 8 kilometers from the training target.

The official added that the military is also investigating whether the pilot followed proper procedures when entering the coordinates. Additionally, the investigation is examining the possibility of errors in air traffic control.

A KF-16 fighter jet mistakenly dropped eight bombs on a residential area in South Korea.

South Korean Defense Ministry officials said all live-fire drills would be suspended until the cause of the incident is determined.

The KF-16 is a variant of the single-seat F-16 fighter jet from the United States, developed and put into service with the South Korean military.

A building was damaged in Pocheon city on March 6 after a South Korean fighter jet mistakenly dropped a bomb.

The accidental bombing has injured at least 15 people and damaged several structures. The South Korean Air Force has apologized for the incident and pledged to compensate for the damage. The incident occurred during a live-fire exercise between the South Korean and U.S. militaries, involving more than 160 military vehicles. South Korean officials said the joint exercise plan will continue, but they are considering some changes to the field training.

This is the first time a South Korean fighter jet has mistakenly dropped bombs causing casualties. In 2004, a South Korean Air Force F-5B fighter jet mistakenly dropped bombs in an area of ​​Boryeong City, but no one was injured.

A South Korean KF-16 fighter jet takes off during a joint exercise with the United States in 2023.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chien-dau-co-han-quoc-tha-bom-nham-do-loi-phi-cong-185250306161105939.htm