A firefighting helicopter crashed on March 26, 2025, while battling a large wildfire in Uiseong County, South Korea, resulting in the tragic death of its pilot. The incident occurred at approximately 12:54 p.m. local time, in a mountainous area near Gyoan-ri, Sinpyeong-myeon, about 180 kilometers southeast of Seoul, according to the Korea Forest Service.
The pilot, who was 73 years old, was declared dead at the scene. The helicopter involved in the crash was identified as an S-76 model, which has been in service since 1995 and is capable of carrying up to 1,200 liters of water. It was leased from Inje County in Gangwon Province.
This helicopter crash is part of a broader ongoing wildfire situation in the region, which has seen fires spreading for five consecutive days, starting from March 22. Eyewitness reports indicated that a yellow helicopter was seen falling from the sky, prompting immediate emergency response efforts from ground crews.
In light of the accident, the Korea Forest Service suspended all helicopter operations at wildfire sites across the country to ensure safety as investigations into the cause of the crash begin. The agency stated that operations would resume at 3:30 p.m. on the same day, but only for helicopters other than the S-76 model. They also mentioned that 23 other S-76 helicopters remain available and will be reactivated if they pass safety tests.
Approximately 80 firefighting helicopters were deployed in the area on March 26, as firefighters struggled to contain the wildfires that have been exacerbated by dry weather conditions and challenging terrain.
The cause of the helicopter crash is currently under investigation, with authorities working to determine what led to this unfortunate incident. The Korea Forest Service is also focused on confirming the identity of the deceased pilot before releasing further details.
This tragedy highlights the risks faced by firefighters and first responders who brave dangerous conditions to protect communities from wildfires. As the firefighting efforts continue in Uiseong, local authorities are closely monitoring the situation, aiming to control the blaze and prevent further loss of life.
In conclusion, the crash of the firefighting helicopter serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with aerial firefighting, especially during extreme weather events. The ongoing investigation will hopefully provide insights that could enhance safety protocols for future operations.
