South Korean officials found a spare power bank might have started the January fire that destroyed an Air Busan plane. The Transport Ministry shared this news on Friday as part of their ongoing investigation into what happened to flight 298690 KS. The ministry released early findings that point to battery problems as the likely fire source. They spotted burn marks on power bank pieces from where flames first appeared.
According to their official statement, these marks suggest the fire began because the insulation inside the battery failed. Experts still cannot explain exactly why the battery insulation broke down. The investigation team continues working to pinpoint the exact trigger that made the power bank malfunction. DAILY POST explained how lithium batteries found in laptops, phones, e-cigarettes, and power banks can create smoke, flames, or intense heat.
These dangerous reactions happen when damage or manufacturing defects cause the batteries to short-circuit. Investigators checked the aircraft's electrical systems but found everything worked properly. The plane itself showed no electrical issues that could have sparked the blaze, according to additional details from the ministry report. The fire broke out on January 28 in an overhead luggage compartment above row 30 on the left side.
This happened about 20 minutes past the scheduled departure time for the delayed Busan to Hong Kong flight. Everyone escaped safely from the burning Airbus A321ceo aircraft. All 170 passengers and six crew members made it out before the fire completely ruined the plane. The Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board from South Korea leads the official inquiry.
They remain the primary agency responsible for determining all factors in this incident. This Friday update represents just early findings, not the complete accident report. International aviation rules require countries to finish full reports within one year after any incident occurs.
According to their official statement, these marks suggest the fire began because the insulation inside the battery failed. Experts still cannot explain exactly why the battery insulation broke down. The investigation team continues working to pinpoint the exact trigger that made the power bank malfunction. DAILY POST explained how lithium batteries found in laptops, phones, e-cigarettes, and power banks can create smoke, flames, or intense heat.
These dangerous reactions happen when damage or manufacturing defects cause the batteries to short-circuit. Investigators checked the aircraft's electrical systems but found everything worked properly. The plane itself showed no electrical issues that could have sparked the blaze, according to additional details from the ministry report. The fire broke out on January 28 in an overhead luggage compartment above row 30 on the left side.
This happened about 20 minutes past the scheduled departure time for the delayed Busan to Hong Kong flight. Everyone escaped safely from the burning Airbus A321ceo aircraft. All 170 passengers and six crew members made it out before the fire completely ruined the plane. The Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board from South Korea leads the official inquiry.
They remain the primary agency responsible for determining all factors in this incident. This Friday update represents just early findings, not the complete accident report. International aviation rules require countries to finish full reports within one year after any incident occurs.
