Selfie Stunt Grounds Million-Dollar Jets

0:00On April 22nd, five years ago, two South Korean F-15 fighter jets collided mid-air over Daegu because the pilots got distracted snapping photos and videos on their phones. Both pilots ejected safely with zero injuries, but the damage racked up repair costs of about 440,000 pounds. The wingman pilot won a momentum for his final flight with the unit and even announced it during the pre-flight briefing. The wing-pix on milestone missions was a common habit among pilots back then. On the return leg, he pulled out his phone while tailing the lead jet. To get a better shot, the wingman climbed higher and rolled his plane. The lead pilot then had a crew member film the action, forcing a quick dive to avoid impact. But the jet still grazed, wrecking the lead's left wing. And the wingman's tail stabilizer. The Air Force suspended the wingman and hit him with a 400,000 pound fine to cover fixes. He fought it, arguing the lead pilot approved the stunt. A fresh auto report agrees the Air Force shares blame for lax rules on phones and cameras.

1:04Now flying commercial, the pilot pays just a sliver of that fine, thanks to his clean record. This saga shows how one selfie chase can ground million dollar birds, pilots. Take those phones holstered next time.