Pilot error, missed 3 opportunities to correct mistakes.

The South Korean Air Force confirmed on March 10 that pilot error was the primary cause of last week's accidental bombing of a residential area.

According to Yonhap, two South Korean F-16 fighter jets mistakenly dropped eight MK-82 bombs (226 kg each) outside a training area in Pocheon on March 6. The incident occurred during a live-fire military exercise with the United States, injuring 31 people, including 19 civilians.

The house was destroyed after fighter jets mistakenly dropped bombs in Pocheon.

The South Korean Air Force initially suspected pilot error as the cause of the mistaken bombing, as one of the pilots had entered the wrong target coordinates before takeoff.

In a preliminary investigation report released on March 10, the Air Force confirmed that the target's latitude had been entered incorrectly. The pilot of the first aircraft dictated the coordinates to the second pilot, who then entered them into the computer system during preparation.

It is unclear whether the speaker or the listener made a mistake, but the Air Force said there were at least three opportunities to detect the error and prevent the incident.

Specifically, the pilot's duties include confirming the target by entering coordinates into the computer and checking the aircraft after the data transmission device is attached to the aircraft before takeoff.

After takeoff, the pilot noticed the flight path was slightly different from what had been planned, but still dropped the bombs without verifying the coordinates for fear of time discrepancies.

"The pilot of the first aircraft should have checked the target at least three times during the assigned mission but failed to do so," the air force announced.

Meanwhile, the second pilot entered the precise coordinates into the first pilot's aircraft but still dropped bombs following the first, as the training was designed as a simultaneous attack drill.

On the other hand, the air force also argued that the incident was partly due to inadequate management and inspection procedures, and that the pilots did not receive specific instructions from their superiors.

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

The soldiers on the ground gave the final signal to drop the bombs after the pilot announced he had visually confirmed the target, although he hadn't been able to do so due to time constraints.

South Korean Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Young-su apologized for the avoidable accident and pledged to strengthen management, inspection, and safety measures during live-fire exercises.

According to Yonhap, authorities plan to investigate the military personnel involved, and they could face criminal charges.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vu-may-bay-kf-16-nem-bom-nham-loi-phi-cong-bo-lo-3-co-hoi-sua-sai-185250310161605615.htm