South Korean F-15K Jets Collided Over Daegu in 2021 Due to Pilots Taking Photos
A recent report by Seoul's Board of Audit and Inspection has determined that two South Korean F-15K fighter jets collided mid-air in 2021 because the pilots were engaged in taking pictures and videos. The incident occurred during a flight mission over the central city of Daegu.
While both pilots survived without injury, the collision caused damage to both aircraft, incurring repair costs of 880 million won (approximately GBP#440,500) for the military. One of the pilots, who has since left military service, was subsequently fined 88 million won.
The audit board's report, published this Wednesday, revealed that the pilot initiated the photography to commemorate his final flight with his unit, a practice described as "widespread among pilots at the time." The pilot had reportedly declared his intention to do so during the pre-flight briefing.
The wingman pilot, flying in formation, began taking photos with a personal mobile phone on the return leg to base. Noticing this, the lead aircraft's pilot instructed another pilot on board to film the wingman. The wingman then executed an abrupt climb and flip manoeuvre, bringing the jets into close proximity. Although the lead aircraft attempted a rapid descent to avert a crash, the two F-15K jets collided, damaging the lead aircraft's left wing and the wingman's tail stabiliser.
The wingman pilot, who later joined a commercial airline, was initially suspended by the air force and faced a fine covering the full repair costs. His appeal led to the audit board's investigation. The board ultimately ruled that the pilot should pay only a tenth of the requested amount, citing the air force's own responsibility for inadequate regulation of personal camera use by pilots. The pilot's previously unblemished record and his successful safe return of the damaged aircraft were also considered. The report made no mention of actions taken against other involved pilots.
