South Korea to tear down concrete localizer structure in wake of Jeju Air crash

The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it will remove the concrete localizer structure that a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed into at Muan International Airport (MWX). 

The embankment housing the airport’s localizer landing aid antenna was fatally struck on December 29, 2024, when the Jeju Air flight from Bangkok made an emergency landing MXW.  

“Muan International Airport plans to completely remove the existing concrete and reinstall the localizer in a fragile structure,” the ministry said in a statement on January 21, 2025, according to Reuters. 

The Yonhap News Agency also reported that safety improvements were needed at nine locations within seven airports where localizer structures were found to be potentially hazardous.  

Previous inspections found that Gwangju Airport (KWJ), Yeosu Airport (RSU), and Pohang Gyeongju Airport (KPO) each have concrete mounds supporting their localizer installations. 

While Gimhae International Airport (PUS) that serves Busan and Sacheon Airport (HIN) were both found to have concrete foundations protruding above ground level. 

Yonhap News also said that seven airports with runway safety areas less than the recommended 240 meters will be lengthened.  

Engineered material arresting systems (EMAS) could be installed if there is not enough space to expand the safety area.  

The Jeju Air accident in December 2024, claimed 179 of the 181 lives onboard with two flight attendants surviving. 

In a recent development, South Korean authorities said investigators had discovered bird feathers and blood in both engines of the aircraft.

RELATED

Jeju Air crash: South Korea investigators find bird feathers, blood in engines 

The post South Korea to tear down concrete localizer structure in wake of Jeju Air crash appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source