South Korean military authorities launched an investigation on Sunday into the cause of an Air Force fighter jet crash in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.
The military established a task force headed by the Vice Chief of Staff to investigate the crash of an F-16C fighter jet near Yongam Mountain in Yongsan-ri, Anjeong-myeon, Yeongju on Saturday afternoon, according to military officials.
Investigators are currently conducting on-site inspections near Yongam Mountain and collecting statements from relevant personnel to determine the circumstances of the accident.
The crash site remains cordoned off to prevent secondary incidents, including potential fuel tank explosions and contamination from aviation fuel.
The pilot, Captain A (33), ejected safely following the crash and was found caught in a tree before being rescued by firefighters.
Captain A personally called 119 emergency services, prompting fire authorities to dispatch units to extinguish a forest fire caused by the crash and conduct rescue operations.
The forest fire was fully extinguished by 9:10 p.m. on Saturday.