On the evening of January 28, 2025, an Air Busan Airbus A321-200, designated as Flight BX391, was preparing for departure from Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, en route to Hong Kong. At approximately 10:26 PM local time, a fire erupted in the aircraft’s tail section, prompting an immediate evacuation of all 176 individuals on board, including 169 passengers and seven crew members.
Evacuation and Immediate Response
Upon detecting the fire, the flight crew initiated emergency procedures, deploying inflatable slides to facilitate a rapid evacuation. All occupants were safely evacuated; however, seven individuals sustained minor injuries during the process. Four crew members reported chest discomfort attributed to smoke inhalation, while three passengers experienced back pain. Emergency services arrived promptly at 10:34 PM and successfully extinguished the blaze by 11:31 PM.
Aircraft Details
The aircraft involved, registered as HL7763, had been in service since 2008 and was delivered to Air Busan in June 2017. Prior to this incident, the airline had maintained a commendable safety record, with no significant accidents reported since 2013.
Preliminary Observations and Passenger Accounts
Initial reports indicate that the fire originated in the tail section of the aircraft. Some passengers recounted hearing a “crackling” sound from an overhead compartment before noticing flames. Concerns have been raised regarding the crew’s response, with allegations that passengers near the fire’s origin were initially instructed to remain seated as the crew attempted to extinguish the flames. Air Busan has stated that the crew adhered to standard emergency protocols, emphasizing that the captain promptly shut down the aircraft’s hydraulic and fuel systems to prevent further damage.
Official Response and Investigation
Acting Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok has called for a thorough investigation into the incident. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has dispatched officials to the site and established an emergency response team to determine the cause of the fire. Airbus, the aircraft’s manufacturer, has also expressed its commitment to assisting with the investigation.
Context: Recent Aviation Incidents in South Korea
This event occurs in the shadow of a recent aviation tragedy in South Korea. On December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed during landing at Muan International Airport, resulting in 179 fatalities out of 181 occupants. Preliminary investigations suggest that a bird strike may have contributed to the disaster, as DNA from migratory ducks was found in both engines. The final report on this incident is pending.
Conclusion
The aviation community and the public await the findings of the ongoing investigation into the Air Busan incident. The focus remains on understanding the cause of the fire to prevent future occurrences and ensure the continued safety of air travel in South Korea.
