Pilot from missing Asiana aircraft had $1.4 million debt

Published : Aug 5, 2011 - 12:17 Updated : Aug 5, 2011 - 12:50

The missing captain from an aircraft that crashed near Jeju Island last month reportedly had massive debts from guaranteeing a relative’s loan.

Speculation concerning the intentionality of the accident was sparked as it was revealed that the pilot had signed up for around seven life insurance policies with dividends of $2.8 million, just a month before the crash.

“It was found by Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board that the pilot had a debt. However, we cannot jump to the conclusion that his debt or insurances are related with the accident,” an official from the Ministry of Land, Transport, and Maritime Affairs said ahead about the suspicion.

“When we secure the black box and voice record device, all the questions will be answered,” the official added.

The cargo aircraft departed from Incheon on July 28th was heading to Shanghai Pudong International Airport until it lost signal on the ocean, 107 kilometers off from Jeju Island.

By Kang Yoon-seung
(koreacolin@gmail.com)
Intern reporter

<한글 요약>

추락 아시아나 기장, 15억 빚있어

지난 달 28일 제주 해상에서 실종한 아시아나 화물기 기장이 15억 상당의 채무가 있던 사실이 밝혀졌다고 동아일보가 보도했다.

사고가 발생 한 후, 실종 항공기의 기장이 한 달 전 약 30억 상당의 보험 7개를 가입한 사실이 알려져 그 배경에 대한 의혹이 제기되기도 했다.

한편, 국토해양부는 사고 발생과 보험 가입사실이 관계가 있다고 단정지어서는 안 된다고 사전에 언급한 바가 있다.