South Korean Pilots Were Taking Selfies Before Mid-Air Collision Involving 2 Fighter Jets

• The South Korean air force has apologized for a 2021 mid-air collision caused by pilots filming and taking selfies, according to a new report
• The collision caused $600,000 in damages but both fighter jets landed safely and no injuries were reported
• A government report criticized lax regulations on in-flight camera use and revealed photo-taking was common

The South Korean air force has apologized for the 2021 mid-air collision between two fighter jets during a training mission. The apology comes one day after a new report revealed the flight crews were taking selfies and filming themselves before the incident.

For one of the pilots, it was his final flight with his unit. The board said during a pre-mission briefing, he told his colleagues he planned on taking photos to commemorate the milestone.

While returning to his base after the training mission, the wingman suddenly banked his jet because two fellow pilots on the lead aircraft were trying to film him with their phones. The maneuver was made without consultation and brought the airplanes dangerously close together.

Both pilots reportedly tried to avoid the collision, but it wasn't enough.

The lead pilot's wings clipped the wingman's tail. Following the collision, both aircraft landed safely on the ground, but the damage was already done to the planes. The report estimates the damage cost nearly 880 million won (about $600,000).