South Korea Fighter Jet Collision Linked to Mid-Air Photography During Final Flight: Report

SEOUL: A government audit report in South Korea has revealed that a 2021 mid-air collision between two fighter jets was caused by pilots attempting to take photos and videos during a training flight.
According to the Board of Audit and Inspection in Seoul, the incident occurred during an aerial mission in the city of Daegu, where pilots were engaged in a routine training sortie.
The report stated that although both pilots survived the incident, the collision caused significant damage to the aircraft, with repair costs estimated at around 880 million won (approximately $596,000).
One of the pilots, who has since left the military, was also fined 88 million won. The audit found that the pilot intended to capture commemorative footage during what was reportedly his final flight.
The report noted that taking photos during important flights had become a common practice within the air force at the time, and the pilot had even expressed his intention to take pictures during pre-flight briefing.
During the flight, one pilot began taking photos using a personal mobile phone, while the other pilot also attempted to record video. In the process, one aircraft unexpectedly maneuvered upward, bringing both jets dangerously close before a collision occurred during evasive actions.
Following the incident, the South Korean Air Force suspended one of the pilots, who later retired from the military and joined a commercial airline.
The audit board also highlighted that inadequate regulation over the use of personal cameras contributed to the incident. The report added that one pilot managed to safely return his aircraft to base, preventing further damage, while details of any additional disciplinary action were not disclosed.