Picture-perfect moment ends in mid-air collision for South Korean jets, report finds

South Korean authorities have concluded that a mid-air collision between two fighter jets in 2021 occurred after pilots attempted to take photos and videos during a flight mission, the BBC reported.

The incident took place near the central city of Daegu, according to a report by the Board of Audit and Inspection. Both pilots survived without injuries, but the aircraft was damaged, resulting in repair costs of $596,000.

The report found that one pilot, who was flying the wingman aircraft, began taking photos with his personal mobile phone while returning to base. The lead aircraft’s pilot, aware of the situation, instructed another crew member to record video footage.

During the attempt, the wingman pilot executed a sudden maneuver to improve camera visibility, bringing the aircraft too close together. The lead aircraft tried to descend to avoid a collision, but the two F-15K jets ultimately made contact, damaging the lead plane’s wing and the wingman aircraft’s tail stabilizer.

The pilot responsible for the maneuver later left the military and was initially ordered to pay the full cost of repairs. After the appeal, the audit board ruled that he should pay $59,600.

The board noted that taking photos during significant flights had been a common practice at the time and said the South Korean Air Force shared responsibility for failing to regulate the use of personal devices. It also cited the pilot’s prior record and his actions in safely returning the aircraft as mitigating factors.