South Korean Fighter Jets Collide Mid-Air as Pilots Take Photos During Flight

Two South Korean fighter jets collided during a training mission in 2021 after pilots attempted to take photographs and video of the aircraft while in flight, according to a government investigation. The incident occurred near the central city of Daegu and involved two F-15K Slam Eagle aircraft operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force.

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Both pilots survived the mid-air collision without injury, though the aircraft sustained significant damage. Repair costs were estimated at 880 million won (about $596,000 or £440,500).

Details of the event were outlined in a report released on Wednesday by the Board of Audit and Inspection.

Photo-taking during flight

Investigators found the crash occurred while one of the pilots attempted to photograph the aircraft during what was intended to be his final flight with the unit.

According to the audit report, taking pictures during notable missions had been a common practice among pilots at the time.

The pilot, flying the wingman aircraft, had mentioned his intention to take photos during the mission briefing. As the formation returned to base, he began using his personal mobile phone to capture images while following the lead jet.

After noticing the activity, the pilot of the lead aircraft asked another crew member on board to record video of the wingman aircraft in flight.

Risky manoeuvre before collision

While the filming was taking place, the wingman pilot attempted a sudden manoeuvre to make his aircraft more visible on camera.

He raised the jet’s altitude and rolled the aircraft, bringing the two fighter jets dangerously close together.

The lead aircraft tried to descend quickly to avoid contact, but the jets ultimately collided. The impact damaged the left wing of the lead aircraft and the tail stabiliser of the wingman jet.

Despite the damage, the wingman pilot was able to regain control and safely return the aircraft to base.

Dispute over financial penalty

Following the incident, the air force suspended the wingman pilot. He has since left military service and now works for a commercial airline.

The air force initially sought to recover the full repair cost of 880 million won from him. The pilot appealed the penalty, prompting a formal investigation by the audit authority.

During the inquiry, he acknowledged that his abrupt manoeuvre contributed to the crash but argued the lead pilot had effectively accepted the filming by allowing the video recording to proceed.

The audit board ultimately reduced the financial penalty, ruling that the pilot should pay 88 million won — one-tenth of the amount originally demanded.

Investigators said the military also shared responsibility because it had not clearly regulated the personal use of cameras by pilots during flights.

The board further noted the pilot’s previously strong service record and the fact that he managed to guide the damaged aircraft safely back to base after the collision.

The report did not state whether disciplinary action was taken against the other pilots involved.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 April 2026