A recent crash involving Jeju Air in South Korea, which resulted in 179 fatalities out of 181 passengers, marks the deadliest aviation disaster in years and has raised concerns within the global aviation community. South Korea is recognized for transforming its air safety practices, previously considered poor, into some of the best worldwide.
Historically, South Korea faced significant challenges in aviation safety, particularly with its national carrier, Korean Air, which experienced multiple deadly incidents in the late 20th century. In 2001, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration downgraded the country’s air safety rating due to non-compliance with international standards.
In the early 2000s, South Korea initiated a comprehensive overhaul of its aviation safety protocols, learning from international practices, particularly from the United States. By 2008, the country achieved one of the highest safety audit scores from the International Civil Aviation Organization, establishing itself as a leader in aviation safety.
Experts have advised against premature conclusions regarding the cause of the Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crash on December 29, noting it as the airline's first fatal incident in its 20-year history. Jeju Air is cooperating fully with ongoing investigations.
Investigators are examining various factors, including potential damage from a bird strike, as the aircraft descended without its wing flaps and landing gear activated. A significant focus is also on a concrete barrier at the end of the runway that the plane collided with before igniting in a fireball. Experts suggest that this structure may have exacerbated the fatality count.
Dr. Hassan Shahidi from the Flight Safety Foundation emphasized the importance of reviewing airport safety protocols, particularly in light of the concrete wall's role in the crash. The runway safety area, designed to provide a buffer for aircraft incidents, is under scrutiny, as the current regulations may not align with international safety recommendations.
In the United States, the FAA mandates runway safety areas to extend beyond the runway's end, while the International Civil Aviation Organization recommends a buffer zone of 180 to 300 meters. The concrete barrier at Muan International Airport is situated approximately 250 meters from the runway's end, raising concerns about its compliance with safety standards.
Authorities initially stated that the barrier met safety regulations, but have since indicated a review of its placement and design is warranted. The investigation is expected to reveal complex factors contributing to the crash.
Historically, South Korea's aviation safety protocols were significantly improved following a series of catastrophic incidents involving Korean Air in the 1990s, including a notable crash in Guam that resulted in over 200 deaths, attributed to pilot error and other issues. Since then, Korean Air has made concerted efforts to enhance safety measures, including collaboration with international safety experts.
As South Korea continues to align its aviation practices with global standards, experts highlight the need for ongoing improvements and rigorous oversight across all airports, particularly smaller facilities like Muan. The recent tragedy has prompted calls for further advancements in safety regulations to mitigate future risks.