South Korea F-15K Pilot Selfie Led to Mid-Air Collision

The South Korean Air Force has formally apologized following a state audit that revealed a 2021 mid-air collision between two F-15K fighter jets was caused by pilots attempting to film social media content.

The Board of Audit and Inspection found that a wingman pilot performed unauthorized, sharp maneuvers to improve camera angles for a “final flight” commemorative video while another pilot filmed from the lead aircraft.

The resulting collision near the city of Daegu caused approximately $600,000 in damages, though no injuries were reported.

One pilot has faced severe disciplinary action and has since left the military, while also being ordered to personally repay a portion of the repair costs.

In response to the findings, the Air Force has pledged to overhaul flight safety protocols and strictly regulate the use of personal recording devices during missions.