Preliminary investigations suggest that an overheating power bank played a critical role in a passenger plane fire in South Korea, leading to significant safety concerns.
Portable Power Bank Blamed for South Korea Plane Fire: Preliminary Findings
Portable Power Bank Blamed for South Korea Plane Fire: Preliminary Findings
An interim investigation reveals a power bank potentially initiated a fire aboard an Air Busan flight.
A thorough investigation into a fire that destroyed an Air Busan passenger plane on January 28 at Gimhae International Airport points to a malfunctioning power bank as the likely cause. Local authorities announced that three individuals aboard the aircraft sustained minor injuries due to the incident. The fire reportedly originated in the plane's luggage compartment, where investigators found a charred power bank that exhibited signs of overheating.
According to the South Korean transport ministry's preliminary statement, it appears that insulation within the power bank's battery had degraded, potentially causing the electrical failure. However, researchers have not yet determined the exact reasons for this breakdown. It is crucial to note that these findings are preliminary and do not represent a final report on the Airbus A321ceo accident.
The dangers associated with power banks and their lithium-ion batteries have been a global concern for airlines for several years. These batteries can become hazardous if damaged or if manufacturing defects trigger a short circuit, leading to an intense heat buildup and potentially a fire. As a result, the International Civil Aviation Organisation has mandated a ban on transporting lithium-ion batteries in passenger plane cargo holds since 2016.
In response to the fire incident, Air Busan swiftly reinforced its regulations, disallowing the storage of power banks in onboard luggage. This move aligned with heightened safety measures due to a marked increase in overheating power bank incidents. Numerous airlines, including Singapore Airlines and its budget subsidiary Scoot, are also following suit by implementing new restrictions on power banks, effective from 1 April.
Additionally, on February 28, the South Korean government mandated that all travelers must carry portable batteries and chargers in their hand luggage instead of storing them in overhead compartments, enhancing safety protocols for air travel in the region.
