The Republic of Korea Air Force faced scrutiny following an incident on December 24, 2021. Two F-15K fighter jets collided during a formation flight in Daegu, South Korea. The event raised concerns about pilot conduct and safety regulations.
The collision occurred when one pilot attempted to film the flight. Major A executed a 137-degree roll maneuver without notifying the lead pilot. This uncoordinated action led to the midair collision. Both aircraft sustained damage but managed to land safely.
The Board of Audit and Inspection later investigated the incident. They found that Major A bore primary responsibility for the collision. However, they also noted that the Republic of Korea Air Force was partially responsible for not prohibiting in-flight personal photography.
Major A had announced his intention to take photos during a pre-flight briefing. He stated, “This is my last flight before a transfer, so I will take photos of the flight after completing the mission.” Yet this decision proved costly.
The collision resulted in repair costs totaling KRW 878,709,963 (approximately $620,000). Initially liable for these costs, Major A’s financial responsibility was reduced by 90% to KRW 87,870,996 (about $62,000).
The damage included a compromised left wing on the lead aircraft and a damaged tail stabilizer on the wingman aircraft. The incident highlighted existing practices among pilots regarding in-flight photography—an activity that had been common at that time.
After the incident, Major A left military service to pursue a career in commercial aviation. The Board of Audit and Inspection concluded that while he acted irresponsibly, institutional failures contributed to the mishap.
This sequence of events matters as it underscores the need for stricter safety protocols within military aviation. It also raises questions about pilot training and operational guidelines in high-stakes environments like those faced by the Republic of Korea Air Force.
