An unusual aviation incident occurred in South Korea, where two fighter jets collided mid-air during a mission after pilots were taking photos and videos with their phones. The incident took place over the city of Daegu. According to a report published by the Board of Audit and Inspection in Seoul, the main cause of the collision was pilot distraction during flight. Fortunately, both pilots escaped without injuries, but the material damage to the aircraft amounted to approximately £440,000.
According to the investigation, one of the pilots had planned to take photos to commemorate his final flight with the military unit, a practice that the report said was widespread among pilots at the time. While returning to base, he began taking photos, while the pilot of the lead aircraft asked another crew member to record footage.
To capture better shots, the pilot of the accompanying aircraft changed trajectory and ascended higher, performing maneuvers that brought the two aircraft dangerously close. The attempt to avoid the collision was unsuccessful, and the two F-15K jets struck each other, damaging the wing of one and the rear section of the other. After the incident, the responsible pilot was suspended and later discharged from the military, while authorities demanded that he cover part of the financial damages.