Overview
- A state audit in April 2026 confirmed a 2021 collision between two F‑15K jets began as a plan to take in‑flight photos.
- Investigators said the pilot rolled the aircraft to about 137 degrees at 578 km/h and struck the lead jet by clipping his left tail stabilizer on its wing.
- No one was hurt, but repairs cost about 878 to 880 million won, and the pilot now owes 10% of that total, or 88 million won, after an appeal.
- Officials first sought full repayment, but auditors cited widespread in‑flight filming and tacit approval from commanders when reducing the penalty.
- The Air Force kept the case out of public view for more than four years before apologizing in April 2026, and the pilot has since moved to a commercial airline role, fueling new scrutiny of safety practices.