On January 28, 2025, at approximately 10:15 PM, drama unfolded at Gimhae International Airport when fire broke out on board an Air Busan A321 preparing for takeoff to Hong Kong. A total of 176 individuals, including 169 passengers and seven crew members, faced imminent danger as flames erupted from the rear cabin, prompting emergency slides to be deployed for evacuation.
Authorities reported seven passengers endured minor injuries during the evacuation, which was executed flawlessly, thanks to the swift actions of the crew and ground staff. Firefighters extinguished the flames by 11:31 PM, but the cause of the blaze remains elusive.
The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) announced on January 31, 2025, plans for a joint investigation scheduled to commence on February 3. This decision followed extensive safety assessments, confirming the investigation could proceed without draining the aircraft's substantial load of aviation fuel, which stood at approximately 35,900 pounds (16,280 kilograms).
According to officials, "It was determined the probe could be safely carried out without removing the fuel after conducting safety checks on the fuel tank and system," This assessment echoes the caution raised earlier about potential explosions and the risks associated with the investigation.
Investigators have kept all options open as they seek to pinpoint the ignition source of the fire. Early speculations lean toward the possibility of portable batteries igniting, potentially due to compression issues. Witnesses recounted hearing crackling noises amid smoke emanation from the overhead compartments. One passenger noted, "We will keep all possibilities open to find the exact cause of the fire." Officials are taking these claims seriously as they piece together the timeline of events leading up to the fire.
Witness testimonies revealed flames were visible shortly before the onboard alarm rang, with one passenger recalling, "I saw flames and heard crackling noises before smoke filled the cabin from the overhead compartment." These firsthand accounts are invaluable to the investigative team as they set to work on determining the cause.
A 20-member team will be tasked with the investigation, which includes members from the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB), the National Forensic Service, Korea’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the National Fire Agency. Also involved are experts from the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA).
"Witnesses had heard crackling noises, something like an electronic device burning, before the smoke incident began. The preliminary assessment led by ARAIB highlighted the danger and necessitated caution," said an anonymous investigation official.
The decision to delay the investigation until February 3 was taken, notwithstanding mounting pressure for answers. Investigators prioritized the safety of personnel and dependent on favorable weather, which heightened the risk of fire during the inquiry. They have also taken extra precautions by securing the aircraft with 3D imaging and protective coverings to shield it from the elements.
Officials have ruled out terrorism, deeming it irrelevant based on the evidence gathered so far. Early inspections upon their arrival at the scene indicated compliance with aviation safety regulations, and no signs of prohibited hazardous materials were found aboard the aircraft.
The incident raised alarms due to the recent history of battery fires aboard airlines, with previous occurrences noted over the past year. Just weeks prior to the Air Busan fire, another event involving battery-induced flames was reported on one of the airline's planes.
Alongside investigating the fire's source, scrutiny will also focus on Air Busan’s regulations around passenger baggage, particularly the allowance of battery-operated devices on board. The upcoming investigation promises to explore possible negligence on the airline's part, examining adherence to guidelines aimed at keeping passengers safe.
Authorities are determined to leave no stone unturned as they investigate this incident, with the overarching emphasis on ensuring future safety for air travelers. This includes analyzing all data collected from the aircraft's flight data recorder, if accessible, alongside information about passenger luggage to prevent any similar incidents.
This incident serves as a wake-up call not just for Air Busan but for the entire aviation industry, highlighting the importance of stringent safety measures and thorough investigations. The coming days will prove pivotal as officials begin to unravel the specifics surrounding the fire aboard this Airbus A321.
With the air travel marketplace growing rapidly, emphasis on safety becomes ever more relevant as we navigate through technologically advanced products and devices. The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly have broader implications for the industry as concerns about battery safety and potential hazards on board continue to provoke thoughtful discourse.