The South Korean Navy confirmed that a P-3 patrol aircraft crashed on May 29, 2025, in the southern city of Pohang. The incident occurred around 1:50 PM local time, according to officials cited by Yonhap news agency.
The plane was carrying four personnel at the time of the crash. Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke rising from the mountainous area near the crash site immediately after the incident.
Local authorities, including Pohang's Nambu police station, acknowledged the crash but have not yet disclosed any information regarding casualties or survivors. Rescue teams and fire trucks were promptly dispatched to the scene following reports of a plane crash accompanied by an explosion.
The South Korean Navy has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash and is actively working to ascertain the status of the four individuals on board. Details remain limited as rescue operations continue.
This accident comes months after a tragic December 2024 crash involving a Jeju Air passenger flight, which resulted in 179 fatalities out of 181 passengers, marking one of South Korea's most devastating aviation disasters.
