Navy MH-53 Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120629-09
6/29/2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Travis Simmons, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs

POHANG, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- An MH-53 Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) helicopter based in Pohang was forced to make an emergency landing, due to an in-flight fire indication, approximately five nautical miles northeast of Pohang airfield at approximately 12:38 p.m. June 29.

Despite the actions of the crew, the aircraft continued to burn after all 12 personnel safely evacuated.

There were no injuries. Local Republic of Korea civilian firefighters assisted in putting out the fire. There is major damage to the aircraft. The helicopter is assigned to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HM-14), Detachment 1, stationed at Pohang airfield. The cause of the incident is under investigation.