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South Korea Audit Blames Cost-Cutting for Concrete Obstacle in 2024 Muan Crash

Auditors also flagged similar noncompliant localizer structures at eight airports.

Overview

  • The state Board of Audit and Inspection said the 2.4‑meter concrete embankment supporting the localizer at Muan was built to cut earthwork costs on sloping terrain.
  • Jeju Air Flight 2216 belly‑landed on Dec. 29, 2024 and fatally struck the rigid structure near the runway end, killing 179 people with two survivors.
  • International guidance requires frangible supports for such equipment, and a government simulation found passengers likely would have survived had the obstacle been absent or breakable.
  • Auditors identified 14 noncompliant localizer installations at eight airports and documented years of erroneous approvals and falsified compliance records.
  • The transport ministry said it accepts the report and will pursue localizer upgrades and stronger bird‑strike prevention, with wider safety follow‑ups pending.