Two South Korean fighter jets collided mid-air after pilots attempted to take photos and videos during a routine flight, according to findings revealed in an official audit report, raising concerns over safety practices within the country’s air force.
The incident, which occurred in December 2021 but has only recently been detailed, involved two F-15K aircraft flying in formation near the city of Daegu. Investigators found that the collision was triggered by in-flight manoeuvres linked to capturing images from the cockpit.
According to the report, one of the pilots was on his final flight with the unit and wanted to document the moment. While returning to base, he began taking photographs using his personal mobile phone.
Photo attempt led to dangerous manoeuvre
The situation escalated when another pilot asked for video footage of his aircraft. In response, the pilot taking photos abruptly adjusted his position in the air to get a better angle.
Investigators said the pilot “abruptly flew his jet up higher” to capture the shot, bringing the aircraft dangerously close to each other.
One of the jets attempted to descend sharply to avoid impact, but the manoeuvre was unsuccessful, and the two aircraft collided mid-air. Both planes sustained damage, with one suffering a damaged wing and the other a damaged tail stabiliser.
Despite the collision, both pilots managed to land safely and no injuries were reported.
Costly mistake and disciplinary action
The financial cost of the incident was significant, with repair expenses estimated at around 880 million South Korean won, equivalent to nearly $600,000.
Following the incident, the pilot responsible for the manoeuvre was suspended from duty and later left the military to join a commercial airline. Authorities initially sought full compensation for the damages, but the amount was later reduced to about 88 million won after an appeal.
The audit report concluded that the pilot’s actions were the primary cause of the collision but also pointed to broader institutional shortcomings.
Widespread practice and systemic gaps
Investigators noted that taking photos during flights had been a “widespread practice” among pilots at the time, suggesting that the behaviour was not an isolated case.
The report also found that the South Korean Air Force shared some responsibility for failing to properly regulate the use of personal devices during flights.
Experts say the findings highlight the importance of stricter operational protocols and enforcement, particularly in high-risk environments such as military aviation.
Safety concerns in focus
The revelation comes amid broader scrutiny of aviation safety standards in South Korea, where recent incidents have drawn attention to training procedures and operational discipline.
Analysts note that while no lives were lost in this case, the incident underscores how seemingly minor lapses in judgment can lead to serious consequences.
Authorities are expected to review policies governing the use of personal devices during flights to prevent similar incidents in the future.
