Deadly South Korean Plane Crash Sparks Intense Scrutiny Over Runway Design and Safety Measures

Department of Research, Strategic Studies and Global News31-12-2024

Investigation centers on the role of a concrete embankment at the end of Muan International Airport’s runway and other contributing factors.

Taipei, Taiwan – The investigation into the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 has entered its third day, with aviation experts closely examining the circumstances surrounding the disaster. A particular focus has been placed on the concrete structure at the end of the runway at South Korea’s Muan International Airport, where the aircraft struck before bursting into flames.

The catastrophic crash, which occurred during an emergency landing on Sunday morning, resulted in the deaths of 179 of the 181 people aboard, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea’s history. The Boeing 737-800 had been forced to land after the pilot reported a bird strike and subsequently experienced landing gear failure, causing the aircraft to belly-flop on the runway and overshoot the designated landing area.

South Korean aviation officials have confirmed that the concrete embankment, which supported a localiser antenna used for guiding aircraft during landing, was constructed according to international regulations. However, some experts are questioning whether the design and placement of the structure contributed to the severity of the crash.

South Korean and U.S. investigators are exploring multiple factors, including the reported bird strike, potential mechanical failures, and the inability to deploy the landing gear. While bird strikes are common and rarely catastrophic, analysts are considering whether a bird might have damaged critical systems, leading to cascading failures.

Footage of the crash has revealed puzzling details, including the aircraft’s high speed upon approach and its failure to lower the nose before the crash. The video also suggests that the aircraft landed farther down the runway than expected, reducing the friction necessary to decelerate.

“Friction is the key to slowing down during a landing, but the footage indicates the aircraft didn’t have enough runway to achieve this,” noted Anthony Brickhouse, an aerospace safety expert based in the United States.

Authorities have recovered the flight’s black box but reported missing components, complicating efforts to retrieve critical data. Meanwhile, South Korea’s National Police Agency is employing rapid DNA analysis to expedite the identification of victims, as grieving families demand answers.

In response to the tragedy, South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered an urgent safety review of the nation’s airline operations and an inspection of all Boeing 737-800s operating in the country.

While preliminary findings are weeks away, experts anticipate that the investigation will shed light on the combination of factors that led to this devastating accident and potentially prompt significant changes to aviation safety protocols.