Busan: Authorities have successfully retrieved the black boxes from an Air Busan passenger plane that caught fire at Gimhae International Airport earlier this week. The retrieval is part of the initial safety measures being implemented as the land ministry prepares to launch a formal investigation into the incident.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Airbus plane, operated by budget carrier Air Busan, was bound for Hong Kong when it caught fire before takeoff on Tuesday. All 176 passengers and crew members were evacuated safely using an escape slide, though seven individuals sustained minor injuries. The exact cause of the blaze remains unclear, but initial speculation suggests it may have been triggered by a portable battery or other items stored in an overhead bin.
The aviation and railway accident investigation board under the ministry convened a meeting with local police, firefighting agencies, and the National Forensic Service to delineate safety protocols for the joint investigation. The plane, which had 35,000 pounds of fuel stored in its wings, poses a potential risk if it ignites again during the probe. Investigators are considering defueling the aircraft, although the process is complicated by damage to the fuselage.
In compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization protocols, a team of French investigators is set to join the probe. The participation of a nation that manufactures the affected aircraft is mandatory. The ministry, in conjunction with the Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety, plans to conduct a risk management assessment and schedule an on-site inspection.
Witness accounts collected by Yonhap News Agency indicate that some passengers observed flames and smoke emanating from an overhead bin on the plane’s rear left side, accompanied by crackling sounds. The ministry has stated its commitment to exploring all possible causes of the fire.
A similar incident occurred in December when a fire broke out on an Air Busan plane due to a passenger’s portable battery. This has intensified calls for stricter regulations on carry-on luggage. Investigators are set to examine existing regulations, the air carrier’s adherence to safety protocols, and any potential lapses in handling the incident. While terrorism has not been indicated as a cause, it remains a consideration in the investigation.
This incident follows a tragic aviation accident less than a month ago, where a Jeju Air passenger plane crashed at Muan International Airport, resulting in significant loss of life. The recent events have heightened concerns over aviation safety in South Korea.