The South Korean Air Force has issued a formal apology regarding a 2021 mid-air collision involving two fighter jets. The statement followed a report from state auditors revealing that the pilots were taking selfies and filming during the flight, leading to the accident.

 

 

 

“We sincerely apologize to the public for the concern caused by the accident that occurred in 2021,” an air force spokesman said in a press briefing. He added that one of the pilots involved was suspended from flying duties, faced severe disciplinary action, and has since left the military.

 

 

 

The report by the state Board of Audit and Inspection found that unplanned maneuvers for personal filming caused the collision between two F-15K jets during a formation flight near Daegu. Auditors stated that a wingman pilot attempted to record images to mark his final flight with the unit, sharply climbing and banking without clearance to improve the camera angle while another pilot filmed video from the lead jet.

 

 

 

While both crews attempted evasive action as the aircraft closed in, the wingman’s tail struck the lead jet’s wing. The collision caused approximately 880 million won in damage, though no injuries were reported.

 

 

 

The audit board held the wingman pilot primarily responsible and ordered him to repay roughly a tenth of the repair costs. The board also criticized the air force for lax controls on in-flight filming. In response, the air force stated it is taking steps to tighten flight safety rules and prevent a repeat of the incident.