Horror as fighter jets crash in mid-air while 1 of pilots is taking selfies | World | News
South Korean officials concluded that two warplanes collided in the air in 2021 because the pilots were taking photos and videos during the flight. The incident occurred during a mission over Daegu in central South Korea, according to the country’s Supervision and Inspection Board.
Both pilots escaped uninjured, but the accident caused serious damage to the aircraft. The military’s repair cost was 880 million won (about £440,500). One of the pilots, who has since left the air force, was initially ordered to pay 88 million won (£44,050). The crash occurred during what was planned to be his last flight with his unit, which he wanted to document with photographs.
The inspection report stated: “Taking personal photographs during important flights was a common practice among pilots at the time.” The pilot even stated during the pre-flight briefing that he planned to take photos.
He was flying his wingman jet and began using his personal cell phone while returning to base. Aware that footage was being taken, the lead aircraft pilot asked another crew member to record the wingman jet.
The situation was made worse when the wing pilot suddenly climbed and turned his aircraft to improve the camera angle. This maneuver brought both jets dangerously close to each other.
To avoid a collision, the lead aircraft attempted to descend rapidly, but the two F-15K jets still remained in contact. While the left wing of the lead jet was damaged, the tail stabilizer of the wingman plane was hit.
The wingman pilot was suspended and later left the air force to work for a commercial airline. The air force tried to charge him for the full cost of the repairs.
The pilot said: “I accept responsibility for the sudden manoeuvre, but the chief pilot effectively allowed filming to continue.”
The oversight board later reduced its liability to one-tenth of the original claim, saying the air force took responsibility for failing to properly regulate personal filming during operations.
The board said: “His previously clean record was noted and the fact that he helped prevent further damage by returning the aircraft safely after the collision.”
The report did not detail any disciplinary action against the other pilots involved.
