South Korean fighter jets crash after pilots attempt in-flight filming

Two South Korean F-15 fighter jets collided mid-air after pilots used mobile phones to take photos and videos during a training mission, officials have revealed.

The incident occurred during a flight mission over the city of Daegu, with both pilots surviving without injuries. However, the crash caused damage estimated at 880 million won (approximately £440,500) in repairs, Daily Mail reports.

South Korea’s Audit and Inspection Board said in a report published today that the accident, which occurred five years ago, was triggered when one of the pilots attempted to take commemorative photos during what he believed would be his final flight with his unit.

The report stated that taking photos on milestone flights was “a widespread practice among pilots at the time,” adding that the pilot had declared his intention to do so during a pre-flight briefing.

The pilot, flying the wingman aircraft, was following the lead jet during the mission. However, during the return to base, he began taking pictures on his mobile phone.

The lead aircraft pilot then asked another crew member on board to record video footage of the wingman aircraft. The wingman pilot subsequently climbed higher and rolled his aircraft in an attempt to be better captured on camera.

That manoeuvre brought the two aircraft dangerously close, forcing the lead jet to descend rapidly to avoid a collision. Despite this, the two F-15K fighter jet aircraft ultimately collided, damaging the lead aircraft’s left wing and the wingman’s tail stabiliser.

Following the incident, the South Korean air force suspended the wingman pilot, who has since left the military and joined a commercial airline.

The air force also sought to impose a fine of 880 million won (around £400,000) on the pilot to cover repair costs. He appealed the penalty, prompting a review by the audit board.

The pilot acknowledged that his sudden manoeuvre contributed to the crash but argued that the lead aircraft pilot had “consented” to the action.

The audit board ruled that the wingman pilot should pay only a portion of the fine and stated that the air force also bore responsibility for failing to properly regulate pilots’ use of cameras and mobile phones.

The board further noted that the wingman pilot had maintained a strong service record prior to the incident.

It remains unclear whether any disciplinary action was taken against other personnel involved in the flight.

By Vafa Guliyeva