The Republic of Korea Air Force has issued a public apology after an official audit concluded that pilots taking selfies and filming during a flight caused a mid-air collision between two fighter jets in 2021. The apology came after investigators revealed that personal filming during a formation exercise led to dangerous manoeuvres and ultimately caused the accident.
According to findings released by the Board of Audit and Inspection, the collision involved two F-15K aircraft flying near Daegu in December 2021. Investigators determined that the incident occurred when one pilot attempted to capture photos and video during what was reportedly his final flight with the unit.
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Auditors explained that the wingman pilot sharply climbed and banked his aircraft without receiving proper clearance in order to improve the camera angle for filming. Meanwhile, another pilot aboard the lead jet also recorded video, and the two aircraft moved dangerously close during the formation manoeuvre.
As the jets approached each other, both pilots attempted emergency evasive action to avoid a collision. However, the wingman’s tail struck the lead aircraft’s wing, causing damage estimated at nearly 880 million won, or about $600,000, though fortunately no crew members suffered injuries during the incident.
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The audit report placed primary responsibility on the wingman pilot and ordered him to repay roughly one-tenth of the repair costs. Authorities also suspended the pilot from flying duties, imposed strict disciplinary action, and confirmed that he has since left the military.
Following the investigation, the air force acknowledged weaknesses in its oversight of in-flight filming and pledged to strengthen safety rules for future operations. Officials said stricter regulations and improved monitoring will help prevent similar incidents and ensure safer flight practices during military missions.