In-Flight Photo Attempt Blamed For South Korean F-15K Jet Collision, Audit Reveals

Daegu, South Korea: A mid-air collision between two Republic of Korea Air Force F-15K fighter jets has been attributed to pilot distraction caused by in-flight photography, according to findings from a government audit, raising fresh concerns over cockpit discipline and operational oversight within the service.

The incident occurred in December 2021 during a routine formation flight near Daegu. Both aircraft sustained structural damage after making contact mid-air but managed to land safely, with no injuries reported among the pilots. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical failure, instead concluding that pilot actions during flight led directly to the collision.

According to the audit, one of the pilots, who was nearing the end of his assignment, attempted to take commemorative photos during the flight using a personal mobile phone inside the cockpit. Another pilot participated by maneuvering his aircraft to provide better angles for filming. During this process, the wingman aircraft climbed and adjusted its position, while the lead jet attempted to descend to avoid a collision. Despite the evasive action, the two aircraft made contact in mid-air.

The collision caused damage to one jet’s left wing and the other’s tail stabilizer, with total repair costs estimated at approximately 880 million won (around $600,000). The investigation was conducted by the Board of Audit and Inspection, which determined that while pilot negligence was the primary cause, institutional shortcomings also contributed to the incident.

Initially, the pilot involved was held liable for the full cost of repairs. However, following a review, the penalty was reduced to approximately 88 million won (around $60,000). Authorities cited shared responsibility, noting that the Air Force had failed to enforce clear regulations regarding the use of personal devices and in-flight recording.

The audit further revealed that taking photos during flights particularly during informal “farewell flights” had become a widespread but unofficial practice within certain units, pointing to a broader cultural issue rather than an isolated lapse in judgment.

The findings come amid increased scrutiny of South Korea’s military aviation safety standards following a series of recent incidents, including training-related mishaps and accidental weapons releases. The case underscores the risks posed by non-operational cockpit activities and highlights the need for stricter enforcement of discipline in high-performance combat flying environments.

According to international reports, the pilot involved has since left military service and transitioned to a civilian airline career. Authorities are expected to tighten internal regulations and reinforce compliance measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.