Experts reviewing the Jeju Air disaster in Muan, South Jeolla Province, have raised concerns over a concrete bump at the end of the runway, questioning its role in exacerbating the crash. Some believe that had this obstacle not been present, the aircraft might have been able to continue its rollout, potentially reducing the number of casualties.
On Sunday, Sky News interviewed aviation safety expert David Learmount. A former Royal Air Force pilot and instructor, Learmount is the editor of Flight International magazine and a two-time recipient of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s top award. He criticized the presence of the bump, stating, “Not only is there no justification [for it to be there], I think it’s verging on criminal to have it there.” Learmount identified the aircraft’s collision with this bump as the critical moment in the disaster.
Despite the high speed at which the aircraft was traveling, Learmount believes that passengers still had a strong chance of survival after touchdown.
Learmount explained that, given the circumstances, the pilot executed an excellent landing. He noted that despite traveling at a very high speed, the aircraft glided smoothly down the runway.
The structure the plane struck is a localizer, part of the Instrument Landing System (ILS). It consists of a concrete base and antenna placed atop an earthen mound. The localizer helps pilots land safely in poor visibility by emitting signals that guide the aircraft onto the runway centerline.
Typically, localizers are constructed with frangible (breakable) steel structures designed to minimize damage if an aircraft overrun occurs. However, the localizer at Muan Airport is made of concrete, which Learmount pointed out is atypical. He emphasized that most localizer facilities are built to be collapsible to avoid severe damage.
Learmount suggested that if the aircraft had not hit the bump, it likely would have breached the perimeter fence and stopped in the adjacent field. He noted that there was enough space beyond the bump for the plane to decelerate and come to a full stop.
However, not all experts agree with Learmount’s conclusions. Aviation expert Sally Gethin disputed the assumptions made about the bump. While she criticized the concrete structure, Gethin argued that even without the bump, it would have been unlikely for all passengers to survive. She suggested, “Given that the plane appeared to maintain its speed, more runway overrun space could have led to an even greater catastrophe.”
In response to concerns about the bump on the runway, South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport defended its installation by stating that similar localizer installations are found at other airports across the country. The Ministry further explained that the placement of localizer facilities is not arbitrary, as specific regulations govern their installation. They also committed to thoroughly investigating any potential connection between the structure and the accident.
A Ministry official clarified that the localizer is positioned approximately 251 meters from the runway’s end at Muan Airport, placing it outside the runway safety area. The official also noted that concrete localizer structures exist at other airports, including Yeosu and Cheongju.
They also confirmed that similar concrete structures are used at other airports, including Yeosu, Pohang, and Gyeongju. The official noted, “The foundation on which these localizer facilities are built varies from airport to airport. There is no standardized design or fixed form for these structures.”