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South Korean fighter jets collided due to pilots snapping pictures, report finds
In 2021, two F-15K jets collided mid-air near Daegu after a wingman pilot attempted to photograph the flight. A 2026 audit concluded the maneuver caused the collision and that regulators must better oversee pilots' use of personal cameras, reducing the liability placed on the wingman.
Why It Matters
The incident underscores the safety risks of personal device use during military operations and led to a reassessment of how air forces regulate pilots' camera use.
Timeline
6 Events
Audit report notes no details on actions against other pilots
April 22, 2026
The report did not mention whether any action was taken against the other pilots involved in the incident.
Audit board findings: wingman to pay 88 million won; air force bears some responsibility
April 22, 2026
The Board of Audit and Inspection ruled that the wingman should pay 88 million won (one-tenth of the initially sought amount) and that the air force should bear some responsibility for not properly regulating pilots' personal use of cameras. The board cited the wingman's good prior record and his prompt return to base as mitigating factors.
Wingman appeals the fine; audit board investigation prompted
April 22, 2026
The wingman appealed against the 880 million won fine, prompting an investigation by South Korea's Board of Audit and Inspection.
Air force seeks 880 million won fine against the wingman to cover full repair costs
2021
The air force sought to fine the wingman pilot 880 million won to cover the full amount of the repair costs.
Air force suspends the wingman pilot; later he leaves the military
2021
Following the collision, the air force suspended the wingman pilot. The wingman has since left the military to work for a commercial airline.
Collision occurs during flight mission in Daegu due to wingman photographing in-flight
2021
During a central Daegu flight mission, two F-15K jets collided mid-air after the wingman, who had declared plans to photograph the last flight, began taking pictures on his personal mobile phone. The lead aircraft pilot had asked another pilot on his plane to film the wingman. The wingman then abruptly climbed and flipped his jet to improve the shot, bringing the two planes into proximity and causing the collision. The lead aircraft sustained damage to its left wing and the wingman's tail stabiliser was damaged; both pilots survived without injuries. Repairs cost 880 million won.