It was a chilly December morning in Daegu, South Korea. The air was crisp, and anticipation hung thick as two F-15K fighter jets prepared for a formation flight. Pilots were readying for what was supposed to be a routine mission — a chance to showcase precision and skill. But that day would become anything but ordinary.
At around mid-morning on December 24, 2021, Major A — eager to capture the moment — announced during the pre-flight briefing his intention to take photos after completing their mission. This simple statement would set off a chain reaction that would lead to chaos in the skies.
As they soared through the clouds at speeds reaching 312 knots (about 578 kilometers per hour), Major A’s wingman executed an unexpected maneuver — a sharp 137-degree roll. He didn’t notify Major A beforehand. In an instant, it happened: the two jets collided mid-air. The left wing of Major A’s aircraft was damaged, while the tail stabilizer of the wingman’s jet bore the brunt of the impact.
Yet, despite the severity of the situation, both aircraft managed to land safely. The aftermath? Repair costs totaled approximately KRW 878,709,963 (around $620,000). Initially, Major A was held liable for this incident due to his uncoordinated maneuver aimed at capturing photos during flight — a practice that had become common among pilots.
The Board of Audit and Inspection later intervened, finding that while Major A bore primary responsibility for the collision, the Republic of Korea Air Force also held partial institutional responsibility. They had failed to prohibit in-flight personal photography — an oversight that had ramifications far beyond this one incident.
As investigations unfolded, it became clear that communication failures played a crucial role. The pilot admitted his sudden maneuver contributed to the incident but argued that tacit consent existed since Major A knew filming was taking place. However, this wouldn’t absolve him entirely; his financial liability was ultimately reduced by 90% to just KRW 87,870,996 (approximately $62,000). Still, it marked an abrupt end to his military career as he transitioned into commercial aviation soon after.
This collision raised questions about safety protocols within military aviation. The Board’s findings underscored systemic issues — how could such practices go unchecked? As pilots continue their missions today under heightened scrutiny and revised regulations, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between professionalism and recklessness in high-stakes environments.
The events surrounding that fateful day reflect not just on individual actions but also on institutional responsibilities. For those involved — from pilots to policymakers — it’s a lesson learned in accountability and safety that echoes far beyond Daegu’s skies.
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