South Korean Air Force Issues Apology Over 2021 Mid-Air Collision Incident

South Korea’s Air Force issued an apology on Thursday following a 2021 mid-air collision involving two fighter jets. The incident occurred after auditors from the state Board of Audit and Inspection released their findings, which blamed pilots for taking selfies and filming during flight operations.

The wingman pilot attempted to record images for his final flight with the unit, sharply climbing and banking the aircraft without clearance. Another pilot filmed video from the lead jet. As both aircraft closed in, they both attempted evasive action, resulting in the wingman’s tail striking the lead jet’s wing. No injuries were reported.

The audit board held the wingman pilot primarily responsible for the incident but also criticized the Air Force for lax controls on in-flight filming at the time. The wingman was ordered to repay about a tenth of the repair costs, which amounted to approximately 880 million won ($600,000).

In response to the findings, the Air Force said it is taking steps to tighten flight safety rules and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.