The Republic of Korea Air Force has released a statement apologizing for a 2021 midair collision involving two F-15K fighter jets.

The apology followed a report by Seoul’s Board of Audit and Inspection, which found an unauthorized maneuver for personal filming caused the collision during a formation flight near Daegu in North Gyeongsang Province.

The Accident

Auditors detailed that a wingman pilot attempted to capture selfies and footage to mark his final flight, while another crewmember filmed from the lead jet, according to local media.

The sudden maneuver included climbing and banking to improve the camera angle, while reducing the separation between the planes, which was lower than the traffic controller’s mandatory minimum clearance for active aircraft in the sky.

Both crews attempted evasive action, but the wingman’s tail struck the lead jet’s wing, causing 878.71 million Korean won ($597,748) in damage, with no injuries reported.

Authorities initially sought full compensation for repair costs but reduced the pilot’s liability to about 10 percent.

Investigation Results

Sources said that auditors held the wingman primarily responsible, citing failure to coordinate the maneuver and maintain a safe distance.

However, they also faulted the air force for weak oversight of in-flight filming, noting the practice had been common.

In response to the analysis, the air force emphasized that it is tightening flight rules to prevent similar incidents.

“We sincerely apologize to the public for the concern caused by the accident that occurred in 2021,” Reuters quoted an air force spokesperson as saying.

The official added that one pilot was suspended, faced severe disciplinary action, and has since left the military.