In a rare aviation misstep, China Airlines flight CI186 from Taoyuan landed at Gimhae International Airport in Busan on the wrong runway Thursday evening. The aircraft was cleared for runway 18R but landed on 18L instead, triggering a “quasi-accident” investigation by South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
What happened?
- The aircraft approached and touched down on the incorrect runway—27 feet away from the designated one—while another flight (Jin Air) was preparing for takeoff on 18L. Air traffic control intervened just in time to stop a potential collision.
- The incident drew attention through Taiwanese YouTuber and former pilot James Wang, who livestreamed details about the runway confusion.
- No injuries, damage, or abnormal acceleration patterns were reported.
Official responses
- China Airlines confirmed that the crew “failed to follow ATC instructions” and has launched an internal investigation. Affected return flight CI187 was delayed due to Busan’s nighttime curfew; passengers were re-accommodated.
- Taiwan Transportation Safety Board (TTSB) said the airline self‑reported. As the event occurred in South Korea, jurisdiction lies with the Korea Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB); the TTSB has offered to assist, and would take over only if Korean authorities decline.
- Korea’s transport ministry labeled it a “quasi-accident” — a category below catastrophic but serious enough to require formal investigation — and expects a full probe.
Why runway mix-ups matter
Landing on the wrong runway, especially one in active use, risks:
- Runway incursions or collisions with other aircraft or vehicles.
- Operational confusion, disrupting sequencing for landing/takeoff and occupied runway protocols.
- Major liability and reputational damage for the airline, especially in densely used airspace.
In this case, a Jin Air aircraft narrowly avoided trouble thanks to swift air traffic control action.
Emerging questions & next steps
- Investigators will analyze crew communication, ATC recordings, airport signage and lighting, and ramp controller protocols. Were the crew’s misreadings due to cockpit displays, visual layout, or distracted coordination?
- Insights from this case may trigger safety updates, including:
- Enhanced pilot training on runway orientation and situational awareness.
- Strengthened controller oversight during landing handoffs.
- Potential global procedures enhancements for addressing quasi-accidents near active runways.
🧭 Policy & industry implications
- Regulatory oversight: Expect Korean authorities to intensify post-incident runway safety audits at Gimhae and other airports.
- Pilot training emphasis: Airlines may adopt new simulator modules focused on unexpected runway assignments and visual misidentification.
- Global best practices updating: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) may enshrine sharper distinctions and mandated mitigations for quasi-accidents.
- Public confidence: Swift, transparent communication and officer-led investigations are critical in preventing safety perceptions from deteriorating.
🔍 FAQs
What defines a “quasi-accident”?
It’s an incident with high safety risk (e.g., near-collisions) but without actual injury or damage, requiring full investigation.
Who leads the investigation?
Since it occurred in South Korea, the ARAIB leads, supported by TTSB assistance. Taiwan will step in if Korean authorities decline.
Any precedent runway incidents at Busan?
Yes — earlier this year, a Jin Air flight also mistakenly used the wrong runway, underscoring systemic concerns.
What happens to passengers?
CI186 passengers were re-accommodated due to curfew delays; CI187’s departure was postponed accordingly.
Could this affect China Airlines’ operations?
If investigation points to procedural or training shortcomings, it could lead to new safety mandates, retraining requirements, or temporarily restricted flights to Busan pending compliance.
