A South Korean Army AH-1S Cobra attack helicopter crashed during a training exercise in Gapyeong on Monday morning, resulting in the tragic deaths of both crew members aboard. The incident occurred shortly after 11:00 AM local time (0200 GMT) under circumstances that remain undetermined.
Military authorities confirmed that despite immediate medical evacuation to nearby facilities, both personnel succumbed to their injuries. The training mission involved practicing emergency landing procedures with engines operational at the time of the accident.
In response to the tragedy, the South Korean military has implemented an immediate operational suspension of its entire AH-1S Cobra helicopter fleet. An emergency investigative team has been convened to determine the precise cause of the crash, examining all potential factors including mechanical failure, human error, and environmental conditions.
The Gapyeong region, located northeast of Seoul, hosts significant military training operations. This incident marks another sobering moment for South Korea’s military aviation community, which maintains high alert status along the heavily fortified border with North Korea.