Mid-Air Collision of South Korean Fighter Jets Linked to Pilot Photography

In 2021, two F-15K fighter jets from the South Korean Air Force collided mid-air during a flight mission near Daegu. The incident was attributed to the pilots' decision to take photographs and videos as a memento, a practice that had become common among military pilots. According to a report by South Korea's Board of Audit and Inspection, both pilots survived without injuries, but the collision resulted in significant damage to the aircraft, leading to repair costs amounting to 880 million won (approximately $596,000).

The cause of the accident in which 2 fighter jets collided has been announced: The pilots were taking photos.South Korea probe finds mid-air jet collision caused by pilots filming during flightSouth Korean fighter jets collide after pilots attempt mid-air photoshoot

The collision occurred when the wingman pilot, intending to commemorate his final flight with his military unit, began taking photos using his personal mobile phone. This action was disclosed during a pre-flight briefing. Noticing this, the pilot of the lead aircraft instructed a crew member to film the wingman aircraft. In an attempt to capture a better angle, the wingman pilot executed a sudden maneuver, climbing and rolling his jet, which brought the two aircraft dangerously close together. Despite the lead aircraft's attempt to rapidly descend to avoid a collision, the two jets ultimately struck each other, damaging the lead aircraft's left wing and the wingman aircraft's tail stabilizer.

BBC NewsKorean fighter jets collide mid-air during photo attemptSouth Korea probe finds mid-air jet collision caused by pilots filming during flight

Following the incident, the South Korean Air Force suspended the wingman pilot, who later left the military to pursue a career in commercial aviation. Initially, the Air Force sought to recover the full repair costs from him. However, after an appeal, the audit board ruled that he should only pay 88 million won, citing shared responsibility between the pilot and the military for failing to regulate the use of personal devices during flights. The board acknowledged the pilot's previously clean service record and his successful return of the aircraft to base after the collision, which prevented further damage.

South Korea probe finds mid-air jet collision caused by pilots filming during flightBBC NewsSouth Korean fighter jets collide after pilots attempt mid-air photoshoot

The audit report highlighted that taking photographs during significant flights was a widespread practice among pilots at the time, indicating a lack of strict enforcement of regulations by the South Korean Air Force. The board concluded that the military bore partial responsibility for the incident due to its failure to adequately regulate pilots' personal use of cameras and phones during operational missions.

South Korea probe finds mid-air jet collision caused by pilots filming during flight

While the audit board's findings focused on the actions of the wingman pilot and the Air Force's regulatory failures, the report did not specify whether any disciplinary actions were taken against the other pilots involved in the incident. This omission has raised questions regarding accountability among all personnel engaged in the flight mission.

South Korea probe finds mid-air jet collision caused by pilots filming during flight

• “THIS PRACTICE WAS WIDESPREAD" ASSESSMENT The audit report emphasized that taking photos during important flights was a common practice among pilots at the time.” — South Korea's Board of Audit and Inspection

The cause of the accident in which 2 fighter jets collided has been announced: The pilots were taking photos.

This incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols in military aviation and the need for clear regulations regarding personal device usage during flight operations.

South Korea probe finds mid-air jet collision caused by pilots filming during flight