Korean Media: A South Korean Pilot's Unauthorized Photos Caused a Fighter Jet Collision, Accident Concealed for Over Four Years

[Global Times Special Correspondent in South Korea Li Zhiyin] According to reports from South Korean media such as Yonhap News Agency and the Chosun Ilbo on April 22, a report released by the Korean Board of Audit and Inspection revealed that a fighter pilot was held responsible for approximately 87 million won (1,000 won is about 4.6 yuan) in compensation due to a collision caused by taking unauthorized photos during a mission. The incident was concealed by the South Korean military for over four years and only came to light with the release of this audit result, raising public concerns in South Korea about the military's transparency and flight safety management.

According to the report from the Korean Board of Audit and Inspection, the pilot requested to take commemorative photos during his last flight before being reassigned in December 2021. On the way back, another fighter pilot in the formation took photos of him with a mobile phone while he was flying at a speed of 578 kilometers per hour. In pursuit of a better effect, the involved pilot maneuvered his aircraft closer to another plane, and during this process, due to a misjudgment, the left horizontal stabilizer of his aircraft collided with the wing of the other aircraft, resulting in damage to both planes.

Although the accident did not result in casualties, both aircraft required multiple parts to be replaced, with repair costs amounting to approximately 870 million won. The South Korean Ministry of Defense determined that the pilot had committed a serious negligence and demanded full compensation from him, along with a suspension from duty.

In response, the pilot raised an objection. After verification, the Board of Audit and Inspection concluded that the relevant units also bore responsibility for inadequate supervision, and that the pilot had successfully commanded the aircraft to return in an emergency situation and had made certain contributions during his long service. Ultimately, his compensation amount was reduced to approximately 87 million won, which is 10% of the total repair costs.      

According to reports, the involved pilot enlisted in 2010 and has since retired and transitioned to a civil aviation pilot after receiving the disciplinary action. The flight accident had remained undisclosed since it occurred in 2021, and it was only revealed following the pilot's application for a review along with the audit report. Currently, the South Korean military and audit authorities have not disclosed the specific unit and aircraft type, citing "national security concerns," but South Korean media reports indicate that the aircraft involved is an F-15K.