Tragic Cobra Helicopter Crash: Army Confirms Heroes’ Sacrifice in Gyeonggi Province

The Army has officially recognized two warrant officers who perished in a Cobra helicopter crash as having died in the line of duty.

On July 10, the Army convened a preliminary review by the General Military Casualty Review Committee, which determined that the two soldiers had made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. An Army spokesperson stated, “We honor the noble dedication of our fallen comrades and extend our deepest condolences to their families. We pledge to provide all necessary honors and support to the bereaved.” This was reported by Yonhap News.

During a regular press briefing, Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeong Bit-na also expressed her condolences, saying, “We mourn the loss of the two pilots and offer our heartfelt sympathies to their families.” She added that the Ministry of Defense would fully support the Army in all necessary actions related to this incident.

The fallen soldiers will be honored with a full military funeral. The memorial service is scheduled for 8:30 AM on July 12 at the National Capital Medical Center’s funeral home, with the Army Chief of Staff presiding over the ceremony.

The tragic incident occurred on the previous day at approximately 11:04 AM, when an AH-1S Cobra helicopter from an Army aviation unit crashed into a river during emergency procedure training in the Hyun-ri area of Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province. Both crew members, a 50-year-old pilot and a 30-year-old co-pilot, lost their lives in the crash.

In response to the accident, the Army immediately grounded all AH-1S helicopters, which are the same model as the crashed aircraft. A central accident investigation committee, led by the Acting Army Aviation Commander, has been formed to thoroughly investigate the cause and circumstances surrounding this tragic event.