South Korean authorities have determined that a mid-air collision between two fighter jets in 2021 was caused by pilots taking photos and videos, according to a report published by the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI). The incident occurred during a flight mission near the central city of Daegu, with the pilots surviving uninjured but both F-15K aircraft sustaining significant damage.

The report identified the wingman pilot as the primary culprit, who intended to take photos to commemorate his last flight with his military unit. He declared this intent in a pre-flight briefing, a practice described as "widespread among pilots at the time." The lead aircraft pilot, upon noticing this, instructed another pilot on his plane to film a video of the wingman aircraft.

In an attempt to be better captured on camera, the wingman pilot abruptly ascended and flipped his jet, bringing the two planes dangerously close. To avoid a crash, the lead aircraft attempted a rapid descent, but the two F-15Ks ultimately collided, damaging the lead aircraft's left wing and the wingman aircraft's tail stabilizer. Repair costs amounted to 880 million won (approximately $596,000).

The South Korean air force suspended the wingman pilot, who later left the military to work for a commercial airline. Initially, the air force sought a fine of 880 million won to cover the full repair costs, but the pilot's appeal prompted an investigation by the audit board. The wingman pilot acknowledged his sudden maneuver led to the collision but argued that the lead aircraft pilot had "tacitly consented" due to awareness of the filming.

The audit board ruled to reduce the fine to one-tenth of the original amount, 88 million won, stating that the air force should bear some responsibility for failing to properly regulate pilots' personal use of cameras. The board also considered the pilot's good track record prior to the incident and his prompt actions in safely returning the aircraft to base. The report did not mention whether any action was taken against the other pilots involved.

Source: www.bbc.com