Story perspectives

South Korea Air Force Apologizes, Bans Filming After 88 million-won Fine

4/23/2026

Summary

Air Force Apologizes

South Korea's Air Force apologized on 23 April 2026 for the December 2021 F-15K selfie-filming collision.
An audit found a wingman pilot climbed to record his flight while the lead-jet pilot filmed, causing a tail strike that damaged the aircraft by 880 million won.
The wingman was suspended, dismissed and ordered to repay 88 million won (£44,063).
The lead-jet pilot was praised for the landing and the air force will ban cockpit filming.

Summary

Air Force Conceals

The collision was kept secret for over four years, leading to a reduced fine of 87.87 million won (~$60,000).
The Board of Audit and Inspection highlighted the wingman pilot’s long service and noted no disciplinary action against the lead-jet pilot.
The audit report described in-flight personal photography as a “widespread practice” among ROKAF pilots at the time.
The wingman pilot left the military for a commercial airline job while the Air Force has not confirmed a cockpit-filming ban.

1 of 2

Air Force Apologizes

South Korea's Air Force apologized on 23 April 2026 for the December 2021 F-15K selfie-filming collision.
An audit found a wingman pilot climbed to record his flight while the lead-jet pilot filmed, causing a tail strike that damaged the aircraft by 880 million won.
The wingman was suspended, dismissed and ordered to repay 88 million won (£44,063).
The lead-jet pilot was praised for the landing and the air force will ban cockpit filming.

1 / 2