A Diamond DA-40NG Diamond Star aircraft crashed into forested terrain near Haenam County on May 23, seriously injuring both occupants.
The single-engine trainer, registered HL1190 with manufacturer serial number 40.N176, departed Muan Airport bound for Sani Airfield when it went down around 15:10 local time in Munnae Township, Haenam County, South Jeolla Province. The airframe was destroyed on impact, with one wing suffering severe structural damage and no post-crash fire reported.
Yonhap News Agency identified the operator as Chodang University and confirmed the two occupants, an instructor and a student pilot both in their twenties, were extracted with serious injuries. Xinhua corroborated the location and timing while noting the absence of fatalities.
Aviation Safety Network recorded the event as a non-fatal hull-loss accident. South Korean aviation authorities have opened a formal investigation into the circumstances, focusing on flight path data, weather conditions, and aircraft systems. The Diamond DA-40NG is widely used for ab-initio and advanced flight training due to its composite construction and diesel engine efficiency.
Investigators will examine whether mechanical issues, pilot inputs, or environmental factors contributed to the loss of control. The remote wooded impact site presents challenges for wreckage recovery and evidence preservation, requiring coordinated efforts between local emergency services and national aviation safety teams. No other aircraft or ground personnel were affected.
The incident underscores ongoing scrutiny of training flight safety protocols in South Korea. Authorities have not released additional details pending completion of the initial fact-finding phase. Further review of radar tracks and maintenance records will help clarify contributing elements. Local agencies continue to support recovery operations amid difficult terrain conditions while ensuring all protocols are followed during evidence collection.
