A South Korean military investigation has concluded that two F-15K fighter jets collided mid-air in 2021 after pilots engaged in taking photos and videos during flight, according to findings released by the country’s Board of Audit and Inspection.
The incident occurred during a mission over Daegu in central South Korea. Both pilots survived without injury, but the collision caused significant damage to the aircraft, costing the air force about 880 million won (approximately $596,000 / £440,500) in repairs.
The audit report found that the wingman pilot had planned to take commemorative photos during what was intended to be his final flight with his unit. This intention was reportedly mentioned during pre-flight briefings, reflecting what the report described as a “widespread practice among pilots at the time” to document notable flights.
During the mission, the wingman pilot used a personal mobile phone to take photos while flying in formation behind the lead aircraft. In response, personnel in the lead jet began filming the wingman aircraft. The situation escalated when the wingman pilot abruptly climbed and rolled his jet to improve the camera angle, unintentionally bringing both aircraft dangerously close.
To avoid a collision, the lead aircraft attempted an emergency descent, but the maneuver failed to prevent impact. The lead jet’s left wing and the wingman aircraft’s tail stabilizer were damaged in the collision.
Following the incident, the South Korean air force suspended the wingman pilot, who has since left the military and joined a commercial airline. Initially, the air force sought to recover the full repair cost from him, imposing an 880 million won fine. However, after he appealed, the audit board reviewed the case and reduced his liability to one-tenth of that amount.
The board found that while the wingman pilot’s sudden maneuver directly contributed to the collision, the air force also bore partial responsibility for insufficient regulation of personal device use during flights. It also considered his previously strong service record and his actions in helping safely return the damaged aircraft to base.
The report did not specify whether any disciplinary measures were taken against other pilots involved in the incident.
