SEOUL, Seoul — April 22, 2026: A newly released investigation report has revealed that an unusual desire to capture mid-air photos led to a collision between two South Korean fighter jets during a training mission in 2021.
According to findings published by the Board of Audit and Inspection, the incident occurred near the city of Daegu when two F-15K aircraft collided mid-air, causing significant structural damage to both jets.
The report highlights that one of the pilots, approaching his final flight, had expressed a desire during pre-flight briefing to take photographs or videos as a personal keepsake. Such practices, though unofficial, were reportedly not uncommon among pilots at the time.
During the return phase of the mission, the pilot began taking photos using a personal mobile phone inside the cockpit. Observing this, the lead pilot instructed another aircraft to capture footage of the maneuvering jet. In an attempt to obtain a better shot, the wingman pilot abruptly climbed and inverted his aircraft.
The sudden maneuver resulted in a loss of safe separation. Although the lead aircraft attempted to descend rapidly to avoid impact, the two jets ultimately collided. The crash damaged the left wing of the lead aircraft and the rear section of the wingman’s jet.
Repair costs for the damage were estimated at approximately 880 million won (around $596,000). Following the incident, the wingman pilot was temporarily suspended and later left the air force to join a commercial airline.
Initially, the air force sought to hold the pilot fully liable for the damages. However, after an appeal, the audit board ruled that he would be responsible for only 10 percent of the total cost. The board noted that inadequate enforcement of restrictions on personal mobile phone use in cockpits contributed to the incident.
The pilot admitted that his sudden maneuver caused the collision but argued that the lead pilot had given implicit approval for the photo-taking activity. The board also took into account his previously strong service record and his ability to safely return the damaged aircraft to base after the collision.
The report did not specify whether any disciplinary action was taken against the lead pilot or other personnel involved.
