South Korea's air force has issued a public apology for a mid-air collision involving two F-15K fighter jets in December 2021, following an audit that blamed the accident on pilots taking selfies and filming during the flight. An air force spokesperson stated that the pilot primarily responsible has been suspended from flying duties, received severe disciplinary action, and has since left the military.
The apology came a day after the state Board of Audit and Inspection released a report finding that unplanned manoeuvres for personal filming led to the collision near the city of Daegu. According to auditors, a wingman pilot attempted to record images to mark his final flight with the unit, sharply climbing and banking the aircraft without clearance to improve the camera angle, while another pilot filmed video 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 injuries were reported.
The audit board held the wingman pilot primarily responsible but also criticised the air force for lax controls on in-flight filming at the time. The board ordered the pilot to repay approximately one-tenth of the repair costs.
In response, the air force said it is taking steps to tighten flight safety rules and prevent a repeat of the incident. “We sincerely apologise to the public for the concern caused by the accident that occurred in 2021,” the spokesperson said during a press briefing.
