The tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea, which claimed 179 lives, has drawn scrutiny to a 4-meter-high concrete wall located near the end of the runway. Aviation experts and investigators are questioning the role of the structure in the crash, South Korea’s worst aviation disaster.
What Is the Purpose of the Wall?
The wall supports a navigation system called a localiser, which assists planes in aligning with the runway during landing. According to Yonhap News Agency, the structure was built to ensure the localiser remained level with the runway. It was covered with dirt and reinforced with concrete for stability.
South Korea’s transport ministry has stated that similar systems exist at other airports domestically and internationally, but investigators are examining whether lighter, frangible materials should have been used to minimize the impact on aircraft in emergencies.
Was the Wall Unusual?
Aviation experts find the presence of such a rigid structure near the runway end unusual.
- David Learmount, an air safety expert, stated that the wall’s rigidity contributed significantly to the fatalities, as the crash itself was survivable without substantial structural damage to the aircraft.
- Christian Beckert, a Lufthansa pilot, remarked that such walls are atypical at the ends of runways, raising concerns about their placement.
- Chris Kingswood, a pilot with 48 years of experience, noted that international standards require obstacles near runways to be “frangible,” meaning they should break upon impact. He added that rigid structures pose significant risks to aircraft designed to prioritize lightweight efficiency over ground durability.
Contributing Factors to the Crash
The investigation has also highlighted multiple factors beyond the wall:
- Bird Strike: The pilot reported a bird strike that led to an aborted landing attempt, necessitating an approach from the opposite direction.
- Gearless Landing: The plane landed without using its landing gear, skidding along the runway in a controlled manner but sustaining minimal damage before striking the wall.
- Speed and Distance: The aircraft reportedly landed far down the 2,800-meter runway, accelerating its slide toward the end.
Key Questions for Investigation
- Pilot Awareness: Did the pilot know about the wall’s location, especially given the reversal of the landing direction?
- Tower Instructions: Did air traffic control direct the plane in a manner that increased the risk of collision with the wall?
- Compliance with Standards: Did the airport meet international safety standards regarding obstacle placement and design?
Broader Implications
This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the safety infrastructure at airports worldwide. Experts warn that rigid obstacles near runways could exist at many airports, posing similar risks in emergencies.
Outlook
The investigation will rely heavily on data from the aircraft’s black boxes to uncover the exact sequence of events. Findings are expected to influence global aviation safety protocols, particularly regarding the materials and placement of structures near runways.
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