South Korean Fighter Pilot Ordered to Pay Damages for Mid-Air Collision During Selfie Attempt
In a startling case of aerial misconduct, a South Korean fighter pilot has been mandated to pay 88 million won, equivalent to approximately $59,200, in damages. This penalty stems from a mid-air collision that occurred nearly five years ago, during a training flight where the pilot was attempting to film himself. The official findings were released on Wednesday by the Board of Audit and Inspection, shedding light on the dangerous incident.
Details of the 2021 Training Flight Incident
The collision took place in 2021 and involved a pilot operating an F-15K aircraft. According to the report, the pilot was on his final sortie before reassignment and sought to capture footage as a memento. To achieve this, he requested that a second aircraft flying in formation use mobile phones to take photos and videos. Both jets were traveling at high speeds, around 578 kilometres per hour, adding to the peril of the situation.
In a bid to enhance the visual quality of the shot, the pilot executed a risky manoeuvre by inverting his jet. He then positioned it dangerously close to the other aircraft. During this attempt, he misjudged the distance between the two jets, resulting in the left stabilator—a critical component of the tail assembly—striking the wing of the companion aircraft. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the personnel involved.
Extensive Damage and Initial Liability
The collision inflicted significant damage, with repair costs estimated at a staggering 878 million won. Investigators determined that the pilot's actions were not coordinated with other members of the formation. They noted that he had flipped the aircraft to an angle of up to 137 degrees solely to capture the footage, highlighting a severe lapse in judgment and adherence to safety protocols.
Initially, South Korea's defence ministry held the pilot fully liable for the entire cost of repairs. This decision underscored the gravity of the incident and the need for accountability in military operations.
Reduced Penalty and Mitigating Factors
Following an appeal, the Board of Audit and Inspection reviewed the case and decided to reduce the penalty. The board lowered the financial liability to 10 per cent of the total repair costs, amounting to the 88 million won fine. Several mitigating factors influenced this reduction:
- Absence of Casualties: No injuries occurred during the collision, which was a key consideration in lessening the penalty.
- Safe Return to Base: The pilot managed to safely land the aircraft after the incident, preventing further harm.
- Precedent of Similar Practices: The report acknowledged that similar in-flight filming activities had been conducted previously, suggesting a broader cultural issue within the training environment.
- Long Service Record: The pilot had a history of safe aircraft operation since being commissioned in 2010, which was factored into the decision.
This case highlights the risks associated with unauthorized activities during military flights and the importance of strict adherence to safety measures. It also raises questions about the oversight of training protocols in the South Korean air force.
