South Korean Jets Collide Mid-Air in Pilot's Selfie Mishap!

In 2021, two South Korean Air Force F-15K fighter jets collided in mid-air while flying over Daegu. The reason for the accident was unusual: the pilots were taking pictures and videos during their mission. According to a report from Seoul's Board of Audit and Inspection, the pilots survived without injuries, but the collision caused significant damage to both jets. The repairs cost the military 880 million won, which is about 596,000 US dollars. One of the pilots, who later left the military, was fined 88 million won for his role in the incident.

The accident happened because the wingman pilot wanted to take photos to remember his last flight with his unit. It was common for pilots to take pictures during important flights, and the pilot had even mentioned his plan during a pre-flight briefing. While returning to base, the wingman started taking pictures with his personal phone. The lead pilot noticed this and asked another pilot in his jet to record a video of the wingman jet. To get a better shot, the wingman pilot suddenly flew his jet higher and flipped it, bringing the two jets dangerously close. The lead pilot tried to avoid a crash by quickly descending, but the two jets still collided. The lead jet's left wing and the wingman jet's tail stabilizer were damaged.

After the accident, the air force suspended the wingman pilot, who then left the military and joined a commercial airline. The air force wanted him to pay the full cost of repairs, but he appealed, saying the lead pilot knew about the filming and did not stop it. The audit board investigated and decided the wingman pilot should only pay a tenth of the repair costs. They said the air force was also responsible because they did not have clear rules about using cameras during flights. The board also considered the wingman pilot's good record and the fact that he safely returned his jet to base. The report did not mention if any action was taken against the other pilots involved.

This incident highlights the importance of following safety rules, especially in high-risk jobs like flying fighter jets. The air force learned that allowing personal devices in the cockpit can lead to dangerous situations. Now, there is more focus on making sure pilots do not use phones or cameras during missions. The accident serves as a reminder that even experienced pilots must always pay attention to safety procedures to prevent costly and dangerous mistakes.