The Air Force has grounded almost all of its planes after a KA-1 light attack aircraft accidentally jettisoned two weapon pods and empty fuel tanks during a training exercise, Yonhap News Agency reported.
The plane, which was taking part in night exercises over Pyeongchang, about 125 kilometers east of Seoul, jettisoned the parts in a mountainous area. There were no reports of casualties or damage.
As a result of the incident, the air force decided to impose flight restrictions on all its aircraft, except those conducting reconnaissance operations or on emergency alert, until the morning of April 22.
The move is expected to affect the Freedom Flag air exercise, which is being conducted jointly by South Korea and the United States. The exercise, which is scheduled to last until May 2, involves about 1,100 troops and 90 aircraft from both sides, including South Korea's F-35A, F-15K and KF-16 fighter jets and the United States' F-16 and F-35B fighter jets, and MQ-1 and MQ-9 drones. The drill is expected to resume on April 22.
As part of the response measures, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Young-soo will hold a meeting of commanders and urge tighter command and inspection to prevent similar incidents.
The air force has yet to remove the fuel tanks and several of the 500 rounds of 12.7mm live ammunition dropped during the drill.
Both the defense ministry and the air force have cited pilot error as the most likely cause of the incident. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.