AgustaWestland AW139 crash near JeJu International Airport, South Korea

On February 23, 2011 at about 8:20 pm (local), a Korean Coast Guard Agusta Westland AW139 crashed into shallow seas about 70 miles west of JeJu International Airport, Republic of Korea with 4 crewmembers and 1 passenger on board. The helicopter took off from Jeju International Airport and picked up an officer needing emergency medical assistance from a patrol ship stationed in waters west of the island. The command center lost contact with the crew shortly after picking up the passenger. The passenger's body was recovered with the wreckage on March 24, 2011. The search for the 4 crewmembers in ongoing. The Korea Aviation & Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) is leading the investigation of this accident. For further information, contact: Mr. Myung Soo Kim, Investigator In Charge Korea Aviation & Railway Accident Investigation Board 281, Gonghang-dong, Gangseo-ku Seoul, Republich of Korea 157-815 Tel: +82-2-6096-1037 Mobile: +82-10-3518-8718 e-mail: pilotmsk@korea.kr This report is for informational purposes and contains only information obtained for or released by the ARAIB.