The fatal crash of two South Korean air force Northrop F-5 fighters on 2 March has led the service to ground all its remaining examples for an indefinite period.
"We are suspending operation of all jets to conduct an extensive safety inspection," the air force says, adding that the F-5s will remain grounded until the exact cause of the accident is confirmed.
A single-seat F-5E and a two-seat F-model were on a training mission when they both crashed into Mount Hwangbyeong mountain, about 235km (125nm) east of Seoul, killing all three pilots on board.
News reports in South Korea have highlighted that there was poor visibility at the time in freezing winter temperatures. Despite the difficult terrain and weather, search teams have located the aircraft wreckage and body parts.
South Korea has had several accidents in recent years involving its F-5s. In 2004, two F-5Es crashed killing both pilots and in 2005 a F-5F and F-4E crashed, killing four pilots.
Two F-5Es were also involved in a mid-air collision in 2008, causing one of the aircraft to crash, although its pilot ejected safely.
Source: Flight International
