South Korean authorities have concluded that two fighter jets collided mid-air in 2021 because pilots were taking photos and videos during flight. The incident happened during a mission over Daegu in central South Korea, according to the country’s Board of Audit and Inspection.
Both pilots survived without injury, but the crash caused significant damage to the aircraft. Repair costs to the military totalled 880 million won (about £440,500). One of the pilots, who has since left the air force, was initially ordered to pay 88 million won (£44,050). The collision occurred during what was meant to be his final flight with his unit, which he wanted to document with photographs.
The audit report said: “Taking personal photos during notable flights was a common practice among pilots at the time.” The pilot had even stated in a pre-flight briefing that he intended to take pictures.
He was flying the wingman jet and began using his personal mobile phone while returning to base. The lead aircraft pilot, aware filming was happening, asked another crew member to record the wingman jet.
The situation escalated when the wingman pilot suddenly climbed and rolled his aircraft to improve the camera angle. That manoeuvre brought both jets dangerously close together.
To avoid a collision, the lead aircraft tried to descend quickly, but the two F-15K jets still made contact. The lead jet suffered damage to its left wing, while the wingman aircraft’s tail stabiliser was hit.
The wingman pilot was suspended and later left the air force to work for a commercial airline. The air force attempted to recover the full repair cost from him.
The pilot said: “I accept responsibility for the abrupt manoeuvre, but the lead pilot effectively allowed filming to continue.”
The audit board later cut his liability to one-tenth of the original claim, saying the air force also bore responsibility for failing to properly regulate personal filming during operations.
The board said: “His previously clean record and the fact he helped prevent further damage by returning the aircraft safely after the impact were noted.”
No disciplinary action against the other pilots involved was detailed in the report.