South Korean authorities have determined that a mid-air collision between two fighter jets five years ago was caused by pilots using their mobile phones to take pictures and videos. The incident occurred during a flight mission over the city of Daegu, and although both pilots survived without injuries, the damage to the aircraft cost the military approximately £440,500 in repairs.
Details of the Incident
According to a report published today by Seoul's Audit and Inspection Board, the crash happened because one of the pilots wanted to take photos to commemorate his final flight with his military unit. The report noted that taking photos on milestone flights was 'a widespread practice among pilots at the time' and that the pilot had declared his intention to do so in a pre-flight briefing.
The pilot was flying the wingman aircraft and was following the lead aircraft during the mission. While returning to base, he began taking pictures on his mobile phone. The pilot of the lead aircraft then asked another airman on his plane to film a video of the wingman aircraft.
The Maneuver That Led to the Collision
In an effort to be better captured on camera, the wingman pilot flew his jet higher and flipped it. This maneuver brought the two planes dangerously close. To avoid a crash, the lead aircraft was forced to descend rapidly. However, the two F-15K jets eventually collided, damaging the lead aircraft's left wing and the wingman aircraft's tail stabilizer.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
South Korea's air force suspended the wingman pilot following the incident, but he has since left the military to work for a commercial airline. The air force sought to fine him 880 million won (approximately £400,000) to cover repair costs. The pilot appealed against the fine, prompting an investigation by the audit board.
During the appeal, the pilot acknowledged that his sudden movement led to the crash but claimed that the lead aircraft's pilot had 'consented' to him making the maneuver. The audit board has since ruled that the wingman pilot should only pay a fraction of the fine, stating that the air force should bear some responsibility for not regulating pilots' use of cameras and phones. The board also noted that the wingman had a good track record before the incident.
It remains unclear whether any action was taken against other pilots involved in the incident.
