Following a devastating air crash in December 2023 that claimed 179 lives, South Korea is taking decisive action to enhance airport safety nationwide through bird detection technology.
All South Korean airports will be mandated to install bird detection cameras and thermal imaging radars by 2026. This initiative aims to significantly improve bird strike prevention and overall aviation safety.
Bird Strike Identified as a Factor in Fatal Plane Crash
Investigators have confirmed that a bird strike played a role in the December 2024 plane crash involving a Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air. Feathers and bloodstains were found on both of the plane’s engines, providing compelling evidence of a bird strike incident.
The ongoing investigation will focus on the bird strike’s contribution to the crash, as well as the role of a concrete structure at the end of the runway, which the plane collided with during an emergency landing.
Advanced Bird Detection Technology to be Deployed at All Airports
These bird detection radars are designed to detect the size and flight paths of birds, providing crucial information to air traffic controllers for proactive bird strike avoidance. Additionally, all airports will be equipped with at least one thermal imaging camera to further enhance bird detection capabilities. But currently, only four airports in South Korea have thermal imaging cameras, and it’s unclear how many have bird detection radar systems in place.
In addition to these technological upgrades, South Korea is also addressing environmental factors that contribute to bird strikes. Sites that attract birds, such as rubbish dumps, will be relocated away from airports to minimize the risk of bird-aircraft collisions.
Last month, South Korea announced plans to adapt runway safety areas at seven airports following a comprehensive review of all airports in the country. This review was initiated after the fatal December crash, emphasising the government’s commitment to improving airport infrastructure and safety standards.
Details of the Fatal Jeju Air Flight 7C501 Incident
The Jeju Air flight 7C501, originating from Bangkok and bound for Muan International Airport, experienced a bird strike shortly after contacting the control tower. The pilots declared a mayday and attempted an emergency belly landing, during which the plane overran the runway and collided with a concrete structure, resulting in a devastating explosion. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders stopped functioning shortly before the crash, hindering a full understanding of the sequence of events.
The 179 passengers on board the Boeing B737-800 ranged in age from three to 78 years old. The majority of the passengers were in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Tragically, only two cabin crew members survived the crash. The ongoing investigation is still in motion to determine the precise cause of the tragedy and prevent similar incidents in the future.
