The Jeju Air Crash: An Examination of Airport Design and Aviation Expertise

The Crash Site

The wreckage of the Jeju Air aircraft that went off the runway and crashed lies at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea, December 30, 2024.

Airport Design Criticized

Aviation experts are questioning the role of an airport design that positioned a mound of dirt and a concrete wall past the end of a runway, which Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 slammed into Sunday morning, killing all but two of the 181 people on board.

The Investigation

It will take crash investigators months if not longer to uncover the cause of the crash, the worst-ever air disaster in South Korea and the deadliest crash in years. They will examine everything from aircraft maintenance records to pilot scheduling to cockpit voice recorders.

Pilot Error and Aircraft Design

Some aviation experts say the fatalities could have been minimized had the plane not collided with the concrete wall. “Certainly that made it difficult to stop the aircraft safely,” said Todd Curtis, founder of Air Safe Media, which tracks aviation accidents and other incidents. Curtis worked at Boeing for nearly a decade as a safety engineer.

Bird Strike Suspected

Initial evidence suggests a bird strike could have played a key role in possible engine loss. Experts cautioned the investigation is in the very early stages.

Barriers Past Runways

Barriers past airport runways are common and recommended. At New York’s LaGuardia Airport and others, for example, there are engineered material arresting systems, or EMAS, installed — a crushable material that slows down a plane beyond the runway and prevents it rolling into more dangerous areas.

Conclusion

The Jeju Air crash serves as a reminder of the importance of airport design and safety measures. While it is still early in the investigation, it is clear that the crash could have been avoided or minimized had the airport design been different.

FAQs

Q: What was the cause of the crash?

A: The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but initial evidence suggests a bird strike could have played a key role in possible engine loss.

Q: What is being done to improve airport safety?

A: Aviation experts are examining the airport design and safety measures to determine what could have been done to prevent the crash. Additionally, investigators will examine everything from aircraft maintenance records to pilot scheduling to cockpit voice recorders.

Q: Will the airport design be changed?

A: It is unclear at this time whether the airport design will be changed as a result of the crash. The investigation is ongoing and will determine what safety measures were lacking or could have been improved.

Q: What can be done to prevent similar crashes in the future?

A: Aviation experts recommend the installation of engineered material arresting systems, or EMAS, past airport runways to slow down planes beyond the runway and prevent them from rolling into more dangerous areas.