South Korea Enhances Airport Safety Nationwide Initiative to Install Bird Detection Cameras and Radars Following Tragic Crash

Title South Korea Enhances Airport Safety Nationwide Initiative to Install Bird Detection Cameras and Radars Following Tragic Crash

In the wake of the devastating Jeju Air crash that claimed 179 lives on December 29, South Korean authorities have launched a comprehensive special safety inspection initiative at all airports nationwide. A critical component of this effort is the installation of bird detection cameras and radars to prevent similar aviation disasters in the future.

The tragic accident occurred when a Boeing 737-800 aircraft belly-landed at Muan airport in South Korea's southwest, resulting in a fireball and significant loss of life. The pilot had previously warned of a potential bird strike before attempting to land for the second time, but unfortunately, the plane crashed due to failed landing gear.

An ongoing investigation by both South Korean and US authorities is probing the cause of the disaster, with feathers found in both engines of the aircraft suggesting that a bird strike may have been a contributing factor.

To mitigate the risk of such incidents occurring in the future, the Ministry of Land has announced plans to equip all airports with at least one thermal imaging camera, mobile sonic devices, and bird detection radars. The radar system will detect the size and movement paths of birds, providing air traffic controllers with critical information to alert pilots of potential hazards.

The ministry is also establishing legal frameworks to relocate facilities that attract birds, such as food waste treatment facilities and orchards, away from airports. New distance restrictions will be imposed on new facilities to ensure they do not pose a risk to aviation safety.

As Deputy Minister for Civil Aviation Joo Jong-wan emphasized, the top priority is to establish comprehensive reform measures across aviation safety to prevent the recurrence of aircraft accidents. The ministry's efforts aim to create a safer and more effective system for detecting bird strikes, ensuring that all airports are equipped with the necessary tools to prevent such tragedies.

Keywords Bird detection cameras, radars, airport safety, aviation disaster, Jeju Air crash, South Korea

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