SEOUL – After a devastating airplane crash that killed 179 people, South Korea is making major changes to improve airport safety. Starting next year, all airports in the country will be required to install bird detection cameras and radars.
The Jeju Air crash, which took place on December 29, involved a Boeing 737-800 flying from Thailand to Muan, South Korea. The plane, carrying 181 people, attempted to land but crashed and exploded after hitting a concrete barrier. This tragic accident became the worst aviation disaster in South Korea’s history.
The Crash and the Investigation
At the time of the crash, the pilot warned of a bird strike before making an emergency attempt to land. During the second landing attempt, the plane’s landing gear failed to work, leading to the crash.
There were feathers found in both engines of the plane, and investigators are looking into whether a bird strike could have been the cause of the disaster. South Korean and U.S. authorities are still investigating what went wrong.
New Safety Measures to Prevent Future Accidents
In response to the crash, the South Korean government is ordering new safety measures to keep birds away from airports. Starting next year, thermal imaging cameras will be installed at every airport to detect birds.
Additionally, bird detection radars will help identify birds even when they are far away from the airport. This will help air traffic controllers give early warnings to pilots so they can avoid accidents. The radar can also measure the size of the bird and its path, so controllers can guide pilots more effectively.
More Plans to Keep Airports Safe
The South Korean Ministry of Land also plans to move facilities that attract birds, like food waste treatment plants and orchards, away from airports. They will also set new rules to make sure that future developments stay farther away from airports.
A Big Change in Aviation Safety
The government has stated that the top priority is to prevent accidents like this one from happening again. They are committed to making sure air travel in South Korea is as safe as possible for everyone.
In addition to these new safety measures, there will also be new national memorials to honor the lives lost in the Jeju Air crash. The investigation continues as authorities search for answers, and the country mourns the victims.
This tragic event has led to new policies aimed at improving the safety of air travel and preventing similar accidents in the future. Bird detection systems are just the beginning of the changes being made to protect passengers and crew.
