Tragic AH-1S Cobra Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Two Army Officers in Gyeonggi Province

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

Army officials confirmed on February 10 that a preliminary review by the Ordinary Military Casualty Evaluation Committee determined the line-of-duty status for both warrant officers.

“We honor the supreme sacrifice of our fallen brothers-in-arms and extend our deepest sympathies to their families,” an Army spokesperson stated. “The Army is committed to providing all necessary support and paying due respects to the deceased.”

A full military funeral is scheduled, with the memorial service set for February 12 at 8:30 AM at the National Military Medical Center. The Army Chief of Staff will preside over the ceremony.

President Lee Jae-myung took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his condolences: “I bow in solemn respect to these soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while conducting training missions in harsh weather conditions. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. While words cannot ease their pain, I assure them that we will spare no effort in providing all due honors and support.”

The tragic incident occurred on February 9 at 11:04 AM when the Army AH-1S Cobra helicopter plummeted into a river during an emergency procedure drill near Hyun-ri, Gapyeong County. Both crew members – a warrant officer in his 50s serving as the pilot and another in his 30s as the co-pilot – lost their lives in the crash.

In response to the accident, the Army immediately grounded all AH-1S helicopters. A central accident investigation committee, led by the acting commander of Army Aviation Command, has been established to thoroughly examine the cause and circumstances surrounding the crash.