Selfie Distraction Led to F-15K Mid-Air Collision, South Korean Air Force Reports

South Korea’s air force says a pilot’s attempt to take a selfie led to a mid-air collision involving an F-15K fighter jet during a routine operation. The distraction reportedly caused a lapse in situational awareness, resulting in contact between aircraft. No fatalities were reported, but the incident has sparked serious concerns about cockpit discipline and safety protocols. Authorities have launched an investigation and are reviewing regulations to prevent similar distractions and ensure stricter adherence to in-flight operational standards.

South Korea’s air force has issued a formal apology over a 2021 mid-air collision between two F-15K fighter jets, after a government audit found that pilots were taking selfies and filming during the flight and were responsible for the incident.

“We sincerely apologize to the public for the concern caused by the accident,” an air force spokesperson said at a briefing, adding that one of the pilots involved was suspended from flying duties, faced severe disciplinary action, and has since left the military.

The apology follows a report by the country’s Board of Audit and Inspection, which concluded that unauthorized maneuvers for personal filming led to the collision during a formation exercise near the city of Daegu in December 2021.

According to auditors, a wingman pilot attempted to capture images to mark his final flight with the unit, sharply climbing and banking the aircraft without clearance to improve camera angles. At the same time, another pilot recorded video from the lead jet.

As the aircraft drew too close, both crews attempted to avoid a crash. However, the wingman’s tail struck the lead jet’s wing, causing approximately 880 million won, or about $600,000, in damage. No injuries were reported.

The audit found the wingman pilot primarily at fault but also criticized the air force for weak oversight of in-flight filming at the time. Authorities ordered the pilot to repay a portion of the repair costs, estimated at about one-tenth of the total damage.

The air force said it is tightening flight safety protocols and restricting non-operational activities in the cockpit to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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Source: The Guardian