Repair
cost for Asiana plane forced open in mid-air estimated to be W640m: ministry
By Kim
So-yeon
Published : Jun 9, 2023 -
15:42 Updated : Jun 9, 2023 - 15:42
◀ Back to List
More article by this Writer
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
estimates the repair cost of an Asiana Airlines aircraft that was forced open
by a passenger mid-air, to be about 640 million won ($494,000), according to
data released by a lawmaker Friday.
In its interim probe, the ministry found the
aircraft involved in the incident suffered damages to three areas, the
emergency door and slides, according to data from the Transport Ministry
received by office of Rep. Jang Chul-min of the main opposition Democratic
Party of Korea,
The incident occurred on May 26 at 12:37 p.m., as
the plane was flying from Jeju Island to Daegu. A male passenger in his 30s
illegally opened the emergency exit door while the aircraft was preparing for
landing, just 200 meters above ground.
The man attempted to unbuckle his seat belt and
jump out, but was restrained by the flight attendants and other passengers,
according to authorities. The man was seated close to the emergency exit and
was able to open the door without unfastening his seat belt.
Temporary repairs were carried out immediately at
Daegu Airport shortly after the incident, and the aircraft has been relocated
to Incheon Airport on May 30 for further repairs.
After landing, the man reportedly confessed the
crime to a member of Asiana Airlines' ground staff. Following the police
investigation, the man was arrested and charged with violating aviation
security laws and causing property damage, Friday.
On how the door opened during the flight, an
official from the ministry explained that the emergency exit can be opened with
force when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the
aircraft is low.
Unlike certain aircraft models like the B787,
which have an automatic lock feature for emergency exits after takeoff, the
A321 model involved in the incident does not have such a feature, the official
added.
The ministry said it has informed the United
States Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety
Agency of the incident, and also filed a request to consider implementing a
warning sound when the lever cover of an emergency exit is opened during
flight.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, the
ministry said it also requested a review on the seat installation regulations,
as passengers in close proximity to emergency exits can access the door even
when their safety belts are fastened.
Ingen kommentarer:
Legg inn en kommentar
Merk: Bare medlemmer av denne bloggen kan legge inn en kommentar.