South Korea’s Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) has ruled a former Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) major primarily responsible for a December 2021 mid-air collision between two F-15K fighter jets, triggered by an uncoordinated maneuver for personal photos. The incident near Daegu incurred repair costs of 878 million won (about $620,000), with the pilot ordered to reimburse 88 million won after a 90% liability reduction.
The pilot, identified as Major A, announced during pre-flight briefing his intent to film his final sortie before reassignment. Returning to base at 13,140 feet and 312 knots, he began recording and, upon an offer from the other pilot, directed his back-seater to video instead.
Without coordinating with the formation leader, Major A climbed to 13,240 feet and rolled to 137 degrees to expose the aircraft’s upper side for better footage. This brought the jets dangerously close, leading to the left stabilator of one striking the left wing of the other despite evasive actions.
Both aircraft sustained damage requiring 45 parts replacement on one and six on the other. Pilots safely recovered the jets with no injuries.
BAI cited the pilot’s personal motive, failure to maintain separation, and lack of clear communication as key faults. Mitigating factors included prior lax in-flight filming practices, the pilot’s service record in test flights and maintenance, and safe recovery.
The report highlights ROKAF’s shared oversight lapses in regulating personal devices, underscoring risks to operational safety and fleet readiness in high-stakes formation flying.