South Korean authorities have fined a former fighter jet pilot after determining that a mid air collision in 2021 occurred while pilots were taking photos and videos during a flight. An investigation found that a Major had expressed his intention to film the flight, which was to be his last before a transfer, and maneuvered his aircraft so another pilot could capture images. During the maneuver, the two jets made contact, causing damage to both aircraft.

Although the planes were able to land safely and no injuries were reported, the repairs cost about 870 million won, roughly 600,000 dollars. The Defense Ministry initially ordered the pilot to repay the full amount, citing negligence.

The Board of Audit and Inspection later ruled that the pilot bore responsibility due to gross negligence, but reduced his financial liability by 90 percent. He was ordered to pay 87 million won, about 60,000 dollars, after the board considered the agency’s partial responsibility for insufficient oversight of in flight filming and his prior service record. The pilot has since left military service.