In brief
An investigation has revealed that the collision between two F-15K fighter jets in South Korea was caused by the actions of the pilots, who were taking photographs during a flight mission. While both jets sustained damage, the incident incurred an estimated repair cost of 880 million won. The pilot who initiated the photo-taking maneuver has since left the military and incurred a fine for his actions, though a subsequent audit board ruled that the air force shares some responsibility for the incident due to lax regulations on camera use during flights.
South Korean authorities have concluded that two fighter jets collided mid-air in 2021 because the pilots were taking pictures and videos.
The incident occurred during a flight mission in Daegu, as reported by Seoul's Board of Audit and Inspection.
Both pilots survived without injuries, but the collision resulted in damages costing the military 880 million won (approximately $596,000 or £440,500) in repairs.
One of the pilots, who has since left the military, was fined 88 million won. He was seeking to capture photos to commemorate his final flight with his military unit.
The audit board's report highlighted that taking photos during significant flights was a common practice among pilots at the time. The wingman had expressed his intention to do so in a pre-flight briefing.
Flying as the wingman, he began taking pictures using his personal mobile phone while following the lead aircraft. Realizing this, the lead aircraft's pilot requested a fellow crew member to film the wingman, prompting the wingman to perform a risky maneuver to enhance the photo opportunities.
This abrupt action brought the jets dangerously close, resulting in a collision when the lead aircraft attempted to descend rapidly to avoid impact. The collision damaged the left wing of the lead jet and the tail stabilizer of the wingman jet.
The wingman pilot was subsequently suspended and is now employed by a commercial airline. Initially fined 880 million won for repairs, his appeal led to an investigation, during which he admitted that his maneuver caused the collision but argued the lead pilot had consented by not preventing filming.
The audit board ultimately minimized his financial liability, recognizing that the air force failed to adequately regulate personal camera use and noting his previously good conduct as a pilot.
The board did not specify whether any disciplinary actions were taken against the other pilots involved.
