Tag: SouthKorea

South Korean Fighter Jets Collide Mid-Air After Pilots Attempt Aerial Photos A recent investigation in South Korea has revealed that a mid-air collision between two fighter jets in 2021 was caused by pilots trying to capture photos and videos during a mission. The incident took place near the central city of Daegu and involved two F-15K aircraft from the country’s air force. What Happened During the Flight According to findings released by the Board of Audit and Inspection, the jets were returning to base after completing their mission. During the flight, one pilot, flying as the wingman, decided to take photos using his personal phone. He wanted to mark his final mission with his unit. Taking such photos was reportedly common among pilots at the time. The pilot had even mentioned his plan during the pre-flight briefing, which suggests the practice was informally accepted. The Maneuver That Led to the Collision While taking photos, the wingman pilot suddenly changed position. He climbed higher and flipped the aircraft to get a better angle for the camera. This move brought the jet dangerously close to the lead aircraft. At the same time, the lead pilot asked a colleague to record video footage of the wingman jet. As the aircraft moved closer, the lead jet attempted a quick descent to avoid contact. Despite this effort, the two jets collided mid-air. The crash caused damage to both planes. The lead aircraft’s left wing was affected, while the wingman jet suffered damage to its tail stabiliser. Fortunately, all pilots survived without injuries. Financial Damage and Investigation Outcome The collision resulted in repair costs of around 880 million South Korean won, which equals roughly $596,000. Initially, the air force held the wingman pilot fully responsible and demanded he cover the entire cost. However, the pilot appealed this decision. He argued that the lead pilot was aware of the filming and did not stop it. After reviewing the case, the audit authority reduced the fine to 88 million won, placing partial responsibility on the air force as well. The report stated that the military failed to set clear rules about personal camera use during flights. This lack of regulation contributed to the risky behavior. Disciplinary Action and Aftermath Following the incident, the wingman pilot was suspended from duty. He later left the military and moved into a career in commercial aviation. The case has raised concerns about safety standards and discipline within the air force. It also highlights the risks of distractions during critical operations.
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South Korean Fighter Jets Collide Mid-Air After Pilots Attempt Aerial Photos

A recent investigation in South Korea has revealed that a mid-air collision…

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