A pilot successfully ejected from an F-16C fighter jet after it crashed in the mountainous region of Yeongju, Gyeongbuk, around 7:30 PM on the evening of the 25th. The incident was reported to the local emergency services, with the pilot escaping serious injury despite briefly getting stuck in a tree on his descent. Fortunately, no civilian casualties have been reported as a result of the crash.

The crash resulted in the ignition of a wildfire covering an area of approximately 660 square meters. Firefighting authorities are actively working to extinguish the fire, although the chances of it spreading further are said to be low. The aircraft was reportedly conducting nighttime flight training at the time of the accident, underscoring the risks associated with such operations.

In response to the incident, the Air Force has established a flight accident response team, headed by the deputy chief of staff, to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. This inquiry is essential not only for understanding what went wrong but also for enhancing safety protocols in future flight operations, particularly for training missions that take place at night.