South Korean fighter pilot ordered to pay damages after 2021 mid-air selfie incident; board reduces liability in 2026

NDTV published a report summarizing the Board of Audit and Inspection's findings that the pilot's liability was reduced to 10% of repair costs, with the 2021 incident having involved high-speed flight and in-flight filming attempts. The article notes the prior full-payment order by the defence ministry and the lack of casualties.

On April 22, 2026, the Board of Audit and Inspection released its report. It stated that the pilot was liable for damages but reduced his liability to 10% of the total repair costs (878 million won). The board noted that the defence ministry had initially ordered him to pay the full amount and cited that other pilots had previously conducted in-flight filming. It also emphasized that the pilot had safely commanded the flight and returned to base, and that he had served since 2010.

In 2021, during a mission, the South Korean fighter pilot attempted to photograph himself in flight. He had a second aircraft pilot and another colleague take photos/videos as he flew at about 578 km/h. The unsanctioned maneuver, not coordinated with others in his formation, involved flipping the jet so its upper side could be captured on video, causing his left stabilator to collide with the other aircraft's wing and the aircraft to invert up to 137 degrees. There were no casualties, but 878 million won in damages were incurred. The pilot reportedly wanted footage of his last sortie before reassignment.