Experts Question Runway Design in Deadly South Korean Air Disaster

Taipei, Taiwan – Aviation experts have raised concerns about runway design and airport infrastructure in the wake of South Korea's deadliest aviation disaster, which claimed the lives of 179 people. Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed at Muan International Airport after colliding with a concrete structure at the end of the runway during an emergency landing.

The ill-fated flight, carrying 181 passengers and crew from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land early Sunday morning after the pilot reported a bird strike. Despite their efforts, the aircraft belly-flopped on the runway, failed to decelerate properly, and overshot the landing zone. The resulting collision with a rigid concrete embankment caused a catastrophic explosion, engulfing the plane in flames.

South Korean authorities have since launched an extensive investigation, supported by the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), to determine the root causes of the crash. Experts are scrutinizing multiple factors, including the structural design of the runway, the placement of the concrete barrier, and potential mechanical failures in the aircraft.

The Role of Runway Design in the Disaster

At the heart of the investigation is a concrete embankment located just 250 meters from the end of the runway. This structure, housing a localizer antenna to assist pilots with their approach path, was built according to regulations. However, aviation experts argue that its proximity to the runway and its rigid construction may have exacerbated the crash’s severity.

Najmedin Meshkati, a civil engineering professor at the University of Southern California, described the use of a rigid concrete structure as “unusual.” According to Meshkati, a less rigid structure, such as a collapsible tower, might have resulted in fewer fatalities.

“The rigid nature of this structure proved catastrophic during impact,” Meshkati explained. “Alternative designs could have reduced resistance and potentially saved lives.”

Hassan Shahidi, president of the Flight Safety Foundation, highlighted the importance of adhering to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, which recommend that structures near runway ends be designed to break upon collision. He emphasized that investigators will need to confirm whether the embankment met these standards.

John Cox, a former 737 pilot and aviation safety consultant, noted that the structure’s placement fell short of the ICAO’s recommended 300-meter distance from the runway end. Additionally, Cox and others questioned why the runway lacked an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS), a specialized surface designed to decelerate aircraft that overshoot the runway.

“Many advanced airports implement EMAS or similar safety features to mitigate such risks,” said Dane Williams, director of Aviation Safety Asia. “It’s a critical consideration in runway design, especially for airports with limited overrun space.”

Other Contributing Factors Under Review

Investigators are also examining the decision to use a runway with a -0.2% downward slope, a feature that some experts argue could have complicated the emergency landing. Weather conditions at the time were calm, but the choice of runway and its suitability for such landings have come under scrutiny.

Further questions have been raised about the plane’s speed, configuration, and mechanical systems during the final moments of the flight. Video footage shows that the aircraft landed far down the runway, with its nose failing to fully lower before it flew out of frame and exploded.

Anthony Brickhouse, an aerospace safety expert, noted the apparent high speed of the landing. “In a landing, friction is your ally to slow the aircraft. Unfortunately, the footage suggests the aircraft wasn’t on the runway long enough to achieve this,” Brickhouse said.

Additionally, analysts are exploring whether the bird strike reported by the pilot could have caused cascading failures in critical systems, such as hydraulics or landing gear. While bird strikes are common, they rarely result in catastrophic incidents.

Ongoing Investigation and Response

South Korea’s transport ministry confirmed that the plane’s black box was recovered but noted that key components were missing. Authorities are now working to retrieve and analyze the data. Meanwhile, DNA analysis is being used to expedite the identification of victims, as grieving families gather at the airport demanding answers.

In response to the disaster, Acting President Choi Sang-mok ordered an immediate safety inspection of all airline operations in the country. Inspections of Boeing 737-800 aircraft currently in service across South Korea have also been initiated.

Jeju Air has expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged full cooperation with investigators. The tragedy has sparked debates over the adequacy of airport infrastructure and the steps needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Global Implications

The crash has drawn attention to broader issues in aviation safety, including the design of airport facilities and the ability of airlines to mitigate risks during emergencies. As investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the disaster, industry experts hope the findings will lead to improved safety measures worldwide.