Three killed in Army helicopter crash

Three on board an Army helicopter that crashed Monday near a village in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, died while being treated, authorities said.

The three, along with the UH-1H helicopter’s pilot, were rescued from the scene after it crashed into a field while on a checkout flight at around 10:10 a.m.

The three include the copilot, a corporal and a private first class. Their names were withheld. The 50-year-old pilot is suffering from serious injuries, but is conscious, according to authorities. 

Military officials survey the wreckage of the UH-1H helicopter that crashed in a field in a village in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, Monday. (Yonhap)

Officials said they are looking into the cause of the accident.

The helicopter model was first introduced in 1968 during the Vietnamese War for the purpose of transporting troops and cargo. There are a total of 140 units in operation. The military plans to phase out the model from next year to 2020 and replace it with the Surion helicopter model.

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)