Overview of the Tragic Incident and Initial Findings
On December 29, 2024, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, coming from Bangkok, faced a catastrophic emergency landing at Muan International Airport (MWX) in South Korea. The aircraft attempted to land without its landing gear deployed, leading to a high-speed impact on the runway. Tragically, the plane struck a concrete mound designed to house the localizer landing aid antenna located at the runway’s end. This collision resulted in a severe post-impact fire, claiming the lives of 179 out of the 181 individuals onboard. Miraculously, two flight attendants survived the disaster.
In response, the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport launched a preliminary inspection into airport safety measures, particularly focusing on the installation structures of localizer systems at various airports. This review unveiled that similar potentially hazardous structures were present in seven out of the 14 airports inspected so far.
Details of the Inspection and Immediate Actions
The Ministry’s inspection identified that structures similar to the one involved in the Muan incident were not isolated cases. Concrete localizer antenna housings, which could pose significant risks upon impact, were found in nine facilities across seven different airports. Notably, Gwangju Airport (KWJ), Yeosu Airport (RSU), and Pohang Gyeongju Airport (KPO) each featured these rigid concrete mounds. Furthermore, both Gimhae International Airport (PUS), serving Busan, and Sacheon Airport (HIN) had concrete foundations protruding above ground level, while Jeju Airport (CJU) utilized a solid H-beam steel structure.
Recognizing the urgent need for action, the Ministry has mandated immediate rectifications at these facilities. Additionally, Yangyang Airport (YNY) was directed to address subsidence issues found beneath its localizer facility.
Comprehensive Safety Measures and Future Plans
The Ministry has announced a special safety inspection of major airport facilities, scheduled from January 13 to January 21, 2025. The findings from this inspection will inform the development of comprehensive safety measures, with a focus on localizer facility improvements to be completed by the end of 2025.
In parallel to these efforts, the Ministry is also reviewing the maintenance records of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by South Korean airlines. This review has already revealed some instances of non-compliance with maintenance protocols, such as exceeding inspection intervals and neglecting timely repairs of known aircraft defects. Specific details regarding the airlines that violated these regulations were not disclosed, but the Ministry has promised strict enforcement and legal penalties to ensure compliance.
Moreover, in a broadened effort to enhance aviation safety, a comprehensive safety review will be conducted by the end of January 2025, covering all aircraft models operated by the 11 domestic carriers in the South Korean air travel market. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to preventing such tragedies in the future and ensuring the safety of all air travelers.