South Korea's air force has apologised for a mid-air collision involving two F-15K fighter jets in 2021, after a state audit revealed that the pilots were taking selfies and filming during the flight. The Board of Audit and Inspection report found that unplanned manoeuvres for personal filming led to the collision near Daegu in December 2021.
Auditors said a wingman pilot attempted to record images to mark his final flight with the unit, sharply climbing and banking without clearance to improve the camera angle, while another pilot filmed from the lead jet. As the aircraft closed in, both crews attempted evasive action, but the wingman’s tail struck the lead jet’s wing, causing about 880 million won ($600,000) in damage. No one was injured.
An air force spokesperson said the wingman pilot had been suspended from flying, received severe disciplinary action, and has since left the military. The pilot was also ordered to repay about a tenth of the repair costs. The air force said it was taking steps to tighten flight safety rules and prevent a repeat of the incident.
