P-3C Orion Anti-Submarine Aircraft Crashes in Pohang, South Korea

A P-3C Orion anti-submarine patrol aircraft crashed in the South Korean city of Pohang, sparking alarm among residents and drawing significant international media attention. The incident occurred around 1:52 PM local time, near the Pohang Air Force Base in North Gyeongsang Province, as reported by the Yonhap news agency, citing fire services.

Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft, which has been in service with the South Korean Navy since 1995, had just taken off from the airbase for a training flight when it crashed shortly thereafter. Eyewitnesses described a loud explosion followed by thick smoke rising from the crash site. Emergency personnel, including firefighters, rescue teams, and military units, quickly responded to the scene, and nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution.

While there have been no confirmed reports of casualties or injuries, local sources suggest that the wreckage may have caused damage to ground facilities in the vicinity.

The P-3C Orion, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a crucial asset for South Korea’s naval aviation, utilized for patrol, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine operations. According to Naval News, these aircraft are vital for maintaining security in the Yellow Sea, particularly amid ongoing tensions with North Korea. The crash raises concerns about the military’s aircraft fleet and the training standards of its crews.

This incident adds to a troubling pattern of aviation accidents in South Korea. Notably, on December 30, 2024, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 passenger jet crashed at Muan Airport, resulting in the deaths of 179 people due to a suspected bird strike that compromised the landing gear. In March 2025, two KF-16 fighter jets accidentally dropped eight MK-82 bombs on civilian areas in Pocheon, injuring 43 individuals because of a coordinate error.