A fire at Gimhae International Airport, which destroyed an Air Busan aircraft, is likely linked to a malfunctioning power bank, prompting new safety regulations in South Korea and other airlines.
Investigation Reveals Power Bank as Cause of South Korea Plane Fire
Investigation Reveals Power Bank as Cause of South Korea Plane Fire
Preliminary findings suggest a portable power bank ignited a fire during an Air Busan flight in January.
A preliminary investigation has suggested that a malfunctioning power bank may have triggered a devastating fire on an Air Busan passenger plane in South Korea earlier this year. The incident occurred on January 28 at Gimhae International Airport, resulting in minor injuries to three individuals on board the Airbus A321ceo.
According to South Korea's transport ministry, the interim investigation found that the fire might have originated from insulation breakdown within the power bank's battery. This device was located in the overhead luggage compartment, the area where the flames were first spotted. The ministry reported that remnants of the power bank exhibited scorch marks, confirming its connection to the incident.
Investigators are still working to determine the specific cause for the breakdown of the battery, and these findings are preliminary, rather than forming a conclusive accident report. The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of lithium-ion batteries, which have a history of combusting if damaged or subject to manufacturing defects. Due to these safety issues, power banks have been prohibited from checked luggage on commercial flights for several years.
Following the air disaster, Air Busan has implemented stricter regulations, announcing that power banks would not be allowed in onboard luggage. This decision aligns with a broader trend among airlines to restrict the presence of these devices onboard due to increasing instances of overheating.
Noteworthy airlines such as China Airlines and Thai Airways are implementing similar bans, and Singapore Airlines plans to join this initiative by prohibiting the use and charging of power banks starting April 1st. Additionally, in a move to enhance passenger safety, the South Korean government has mandated that travelers carry portable batteries and chargers personally rather than storing them in overhead compartments.
