Tue Dec 31 02:53:05 UTC 2024: ## Concrete Wall Near Runway Under Scrutiny After Fatal South Korea Plane Crash
**Muan, South Korea** – The investigation into South Korea’s deadliest plane crash, which claimed 179 lives, is focusing on a concrete wall located 250 meters beyond the end of the runway at Muan International Airport. Aviation experts are questioning the wall’s design and placement, suggesting it may have exacerbated the tragedy.
A Jeju Air plane, after reporting a bird strike and attempting a landing from the opposite direction, landed without deploying its landing gear. While experts praise the pilot’s skillful emergency landing, the aircraft subsequently collided with the 4-meter high concrete wall, resulting in a fire and the loss of life.
Air safety expert David Learmount stated that had the wall not been present, the majority, if not all, passengers might have survived. He emphasized that the impact with the rigid structure, not the landing itself, caused the catastrophic damage and subsequent fire.
Several aviation experts have criticized the wall’s construction. Lufthansa pilot Christian Beckert described the structure as unusual, noting that walls are not typically found at runway ends. While the wall houses a navigation system, experts like Chris Kingswood, a pilot with 48 years of experience, questioned whether it met industry standards for frangibility (ability to break upon impact). He highlighted that obstacles near runways should be designed to break upon impact to minimize damage in such events.
The investigation is also probing whether the pilots were aware of the wall’s presence, particularly as they approached from an unusual direction. Aviation analyst Sally Gethin stressed the need to determine if air traffic control directed the pilots to land in reverse.
South Korea’s transport ministry is investigating whether the use of lighter, more easily breakable materials for the wall would have mitigated the consequences. The ministry stated that similar structures exist at other airports, both domestically and internationally, but the current investigation will determine if modifications are necessary. The incident has led to flight cancellations at the airport.
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