South Korea is taking significant measures to enhance airport safety by removing concrete barriers at seven airports following a tragic plane crash in December that claimed the lives of 179 people. This devastating incident, the deadliest in South Korea’s aviation history, prompted a comprehensive review of airport safety protocols across the country.
The Incident
The fatal crash involved a Jeju Air flight returning passengers from Thailand after the Christmas holiday. While attempting to land at Muan International Airport, the aircraft made an emergency landing but tragically collided with a concrete barrier at the end of the runway, resulting in an explosion.
Although the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, aviation safety experts noted that the concrete barrier significantly contributed to the high casualty rate. The barrier housed a navigation system called a localizer, which assists aircraft in landing. South Korea’s transport ministry confirmed that similar systems exist in various airports both domestically and internationally.
Planned Changes
In light of the investigation findings, South Korea’s transport authorities have identified nine localizer systems requiring modification. This includes the systems at both Muan International Airport and Jeju International Airport, the country’s second-largest airport. The proposed changes involve replacing the heavy concrete structures with lighter alternatives or burying them underground.
Moreover, the existing concrete mounds at Muan International Airport will be entirely removed, and the localizer will be reinstalled using breakable structures, minimizing the potential for damage in the event of a crash.
Runway Safety Area Improvements
In addition to altering the localizer systems, the review revealed that runway safety areas at seven airports were shorter than the recommended length of 240 meters (787 feet). Specifically, the runway safety area at Muan Airport measured approximately 200 meters, falling short of safety standards.
Runway safety areas are critical zones adjacent to or at the end of runways, designed to limit damage to aircraft should they overshoot, undershoot, or veer off the runway. Enhancing these areas is vital for preventing accidents and ensuring passenger safety.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the December crash is ongoing, with authorities analyzing the flight data and cockpit voice recorders. Reports indicate that the recording ceased four minutes before the crash. Prior to the accident, the pilot had warned of a potential bird strike during the first landing attempt. The aircraft ultimately crashed during its second landing attempt, failing to deploy its landing gear.
Conclusion
The changes being implemented at South Korean airports represent a critical step toward improving aviation safety and preventing future tragedies. By removing concrete barriers and enhancing runway safety areas, the country aims to safeguard passengers and ensure the safety of air travel. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the causes of the crash and preventing similar incidents in the future.
