South Korean authorities have concluded that a 2021 mid-air collision between two fighter jets was caused by pilots attempting to take photos and record videos during flight, according to a report released by the country’s Board of Audit and Inspection.

The incident occurred during a training mission over Daegu in central South Korea involving two F-15K fighter jets. Although both pilots survived without injury, the collision caused significant damage to the aircraft, costing the military about 880 million won (approximately $596,000) in repairs.

Investigators found that the pilot of the wingman aircraft initiated the sequence of events after attempting to take photographs to mark what he described as his final flight with the unit. He had reportedly informed colleagues of his intention to take photos during a pre-flight briefing.

During the mission, the pilot used his personal mobile phone to take pictures while in formation flight. The pilot of the lead aircraft then instructed another crew member to record video footage of the wingman jet.

The situation escalated when the wingman pilot suddenly climbed and rolled his aircraft to improve the camera angle, a manoeuvre investigators said brought the two jets dangerously close.

In an attempt to avoid collision, the lead aircraft tried to descend quickly, but the jets still made contact, damaging the lead jet’s left wing and the wingman’s tail stabiliser.

Following the incident, South Korea’s air force suspended the wingman pilot, who has since left military service and joined a commercial airline. The military initially sought to recover the full repair cost from him through an 880 million won penalty.

However, after he challenged the decision, the audit board reviewed the case and reduced his liability to 88 million won, ruling that he should only bear a portion of the cost.

The board said the air force also bore responsibility for failing to properly regulate personal use of cameras during flights, noting that informal filming practices had become common among pilots at the time.

It further considered the pilot’s previously clean service record and acknowledged that he managed to safely return his aircraft after the collision, limiting further damage.

The report did not specify whether any disciplinary action was taken against the other pilots involved in the incident.