South Korean Air Force Apologizes for F-15K Jet Collision Blamed on Selfie Filming

The South Korean Air Force recently issued a public apology for a 2021 mid-air collision involving two F-15K fighter jets, advanced multirole combat aircraft. This official statement came after auditors released a report directly attributing the accident to pilots engaging in unauthorized in-flight filming.

The collision occurred in December 2021 during a formation flight near the city of Daegu. The state Board of Audit and Inspection found that a wingman pilot, attempting to record images to mark his final flight with the unit, executed sharp climbs and banks without proper clearance. These maneuvers were designed to improve camera angles for personal filming.

During this unauthorized activity, another pilot in the lead F-15K jet was also filming video. As the aircraft unexpectedly closed in, both crews attempted evasive action. However, the wingman's tail struck the lead jet's wing, resulting in a mid-air impact.

This incident caused an estimated $600,000, or 880 million won, in damage to the advanced military aircraft. Fortunately, no personnel were injured in the collision.

The audit board held the wingman pilot primarily responsible for the collision, citing the unplanned maneuvers. It also criticized the Air Force for its insufficient controls regarding in-flight filming at the time of the accident. In response, the involved pilot faced severe disciplinary action, including suspension from flying duties, and has since departed from military service. The pilot is also mandated to repay about a tenth of the repair costs.

The South Korean Air Force has announced steps to tighten flight safety regulations and prevent similar occurrences. The effectiveness of these revised protocols in improving operational discipline and mitigating risks within military aviation operations will be a key area to observe moving forward.