On January 28, 2025, Air Busan flight BX391 faced a fire emergency at Gimhae International Airport, just one month after the tragedy of Jeju Air. Fortunately, all 170 passengers and six crew members evacuated safely, yet conflicting accounts of the emergency evacuation have sparked controversy.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Air Rail Accident Investigation Committee reported the fire occurred at the rear of the aircraft, igniting as it prepared for departure to Hong Kong. Seven individuals sustained minor injuries during the evacuation, which was executed using emergency slides.
Experts from the aviation industry have raised concerns about the chaos during the evacuation process. One expert stated, "The disorderly evacuation of some passengers may have increased the risk." Questions surfaced about the crew's communication and leadership as they attempted to manage the emergency.
Air Busan has countered allegations by passengers who claim they remained unaware of the fire. A representative clarified, "The captain immediately shut down the hydraulic and fuel systems to prevent secondary damage and declared an emergency escape to complete the evacuation." This rapid action was prompted by the risk posed by the aircraft's fuel load, approximately 35,900 lbs, which raises the stakes significantly during such incidents.
While the crew did their best under pressure, several passengers expressed frustration, alleging no fire announcement was made during the crisis. Air Busan defended their actions, arguing they followed relevant procedures swiftly, stating, "It was a situation where separate announcements were impractical, and quick action was necessary to mitigate danger."
One of the most alarming issues reported was the claim of passengers opening emergency exits independently. Experts warn of severe consequences if exits are opened without crew direction. An airline captain remarked, "There is a risk of a crash if the slide is not sufficiently spread out." This could lead to tragic outcomes if individuals are sucked out or collide with aircraft engines or other dangerous conditions.
Beyond potential physical dangers, some passengers reportedly took time to retrieve their carry-on luggage, complicaiting the already perilous situation. Kim, the head of flight education at Korea National Aeronautics University, emphasized, "There is a '90-second rule' for escaping during aircraft fires; time is wasted if individuals look for luggage, making it extremely dangerous." Historical instances from past air accidents underline this urgency—one notorious incident saw 41 of 78 passengers perish because some sought their belongings before fleeing.
The Aviation Railroad Accident Investigation Committee plans to conduct detailed investigations alongside the French Accident Investigation Committee to pinpoint the fire's origin and make determinations about the evacuation procedures. A focus remains on mitigating risks for future flights to avoid repeating such chaos and confusion.
With the shadows of previous air disasters fresh in mind, both passengers and crew members are left with important lessons on the consequences of maintaining order and awareness during emergencies. The investigation's findings may pave the way for necessary changes to safety regulations and training protocols within the aviation sector.