South Korean Fighter Jets Collide After Pilots' Mid-Flight Selfie Session
Investigators have determined that a collision between two South Korean Air Force fighter jets was caused by pilots taking selfies and filming during a training flight. The incident, which occurred in December 2021, resulted in significant damage to both aircraft but no injuries to the pilots, who successfully ejected.
Costly Commemorative Photos Lead to Disaster
The government's Board of Audit and Inspection revealed in a report that one of the pilots, on his final flight with the unit, intended to take pictures to commemorate the occasion. He had even informed colleagues during a pre-mission briefing about his plans. As the F-15K jets returned to their base in Daegu following the training mission, the wingman pilot began taking photographs with his mobile phone.
The lead pilot then requested another crew member on his aircraft to film video footage of the wingman's plane. In response, the wingman abruptly ascended and executed a flip maneuver specifically for the camera, bringing the two aircraft dangerously close together.
Collision and Aftermath
To avoid impact, the lead pilot attempted a rapid descent while the wingman pulled nearly straight upward, resulting in the collision. The lead aircraft's left wing struck the wingman's stabilator—a movable horizontal tail surface that combines stabilizer and elevator functions. Both the wing and tail stabilizer sustained substantial damage.
The military incurred repair costs totaling 880 million won, equivalent to approximately £440,500. Following the crash, South Korea's air force suspended the wingman pilot, who has since transitioned to employment with a commercial airline.
Financial and Disciplinary Consequences
Initially, authorities imposed the full repair cost as a fine against the wingman pilot. However, the pilot challenged this penalty before the audit board, admitting negligence while arguing he shouldn't bear financial responsibility since he hadn't violated his duty of care. He contended that the lead pilot had "tacitly consented" to the maneuver by being aware of the filming activity.
The board ultimately reduced the fine by 90 percent, requiring the pilot to pay only one-tenth of the original amount—approximately 88 million won or £44,063. The agency justified this decision by citing the routine practice of taking commemorative photos during flights and the air force's failure to properly regulate such activities.
"Those who were involved in this case stated that this was not the only flight during which photos were taken," the board noted in its report.
Safety Reforms and Official Response
On Thursday, South Korea's Air Force issued a public apology for the accident and announced measures to strengthen flight safety regulations to prevent similar incidents. An air force spokesman stated during a press briefing: "We sincerely apologise to the public for the concern caused by the accident that occurred in 2021."
The spokesman confirmed that one pilot received severe disciplinary action, was suspended from flying duties, and has since left military service. The audit board did not disclose the pilots' identities or specify whether the lead pilot faced any disciplinary measures.
The board also acknowledged the wingman pilot's skillful handling of the aircraft following the collision, which prevented additional damage, as well as his extensive service record within the air force.
