Trending Now - South Korean Air Force Admits Pilot Distraction Led to Crash

WHO:

CNN - South Korea’s air force

CNN - A spokesman for the air force

CNN - The wingman pilot involved in the collision

CNN - The lead pilot involved in the collision

WHAT:

CNN - The air force's spokesman stated that the pilot involved in the collision has since left the military.

CNN - The audit board ordered the wingman pilot to repay about a tenth of the repair costs related to the collision.

CNN - The air force announced it is taking steps to tighten flight safety rules to prevent a repeat of the incident.

CNN - The South Korean air force apologized for a mid-air collision of two fighter jets.

CNN - The collision caused about 880 million won ($600,000) in damage.

CNN - One pilot was suspended from flying duties and received severe disciplinary action.

CNN - The audit board held the wingman pilot primarily responsible for the collision.

WHERE:

CNN - The collision occurred during a formation flight near the city of Daegu, South Korea.

WHEN:

CNN - The collision occurred in December 2021.

CNN - The air force's apology was issued on Thursday, April 21st, 2026.

CNN - The report by the state Board of Audit and Inspection was released on Wednesday, April 20th, 2026.

WHY:

CNN - The audit board criticized the air force for lax controls on in-flight filming at the time of the incident.

CNN - The collision was caused by a pilot making an abrupt maneuver to improve video angles while taking selfies and filming during the flight.

HOW:

CNN - The wingman pilot attempted to record images to mark his final flight with the unit, sharply climbing and banking the aircraft without clearance.

CNN - Both crews attempted evasive action as the aircraft closed in on each other.

(UPDATED April 23, 2026 21:16 UTC)

The Air Force has announced it is tightening flight safety rules following a recent collision, which has raised concerns about lax controls on in-flight filming. The pilot involved in the incident has left the military, while the audit board has ordered the wingman pilot to repay about a tenth of the repair costs associated with the collision. This move comes as part of the Air Force's efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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(UPDATED April 23, 2026 13:24 UTC)

The South Korean air force has issued an apology for a mid-air collision of two fighter jets that occurred during a formation flight near Daegu in December 20th21, resulting in approximately 880 million won, or about $600,000, in damages. A report released by the state Board of Audit and Inspection on Monday revealed that the wingman pilot was primarily responsible for the incident, as he made an abrupt maneuver to capture selfies and video during the flight, leading to the collision. Following the findings, one pilot has been suspended from flying duties and faced severe disciplinary action.