Boeing began using synthetic materials in its fuselage in 2011 and Airbus began using synthetic materials in 2018.
All 379 passengers escaped from Japan Airlines A350 flight due to combustion delay
The Associated Press reported that the plane crash at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan, raised the issue of safety of carbon-based fiber components of the airplane fuselage, raising questions about whether this material burns longer than conventional aluminum materials and whether it is an obstacle to fire extinguishment. This was reported.
This runway fire presents an important challenge that could serve as a touchstone for the safety of carbon fiber composite materials compared to aluminum, which has traditionally been used as a material for airplane fuselages.
As a result of the investigation, it was revealed that while the Japan Airlines JAL A350, which was about to land at Haneda Airport, received permission to use the runway from the air traffic controller, the Coast Guard aircraft on the runway did not.
Aviation safety experts praise the JAL flight crew for safely evacuating all passengers from the burning aircraft, but five people on board the Korea Coast Guard died.
Aircraft composites have been used for many years in various structures, including interior wall panels and flooring.
Boeing began using carbon fiber-reinforced composite materials on the Boeing 787 in 2011, and 1,100 such airplanes have been produced so far.
Competitor Airbus also began using it on its A35 model in 2018 and has already sold 570 units. This accident was also an aircraft made of the same material that had been produced for two years.
Increasingly, composite materials containing carbon fiber are being used in aircraft materials, including reinforced plastics for increased strength and traction. According to Boeing, this material can reduce the weight of the aircraft by 20% compared to aluminum in the past, which greatly helps save fuel. This is directly related to the profits of airlines.
The results of testing the strength of these materials in accordance with government agency investigations and regulations such as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are excellent. However, experts acknowledge that there are limits to the function and strength of this material as we know it.
John Goglia, director of accident investigation at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), said, “There are always concerns about materials because in the event of a fire, toxic smoke is released.” This means that there is a great environmental risk because such fine fibers are mixed with smoke and float in the air not only while the accident plane is burning but also after the fire.
In the case of the Japanese aircraft, all 379 crew members and passengers were able to escape even while the aircraft was filled with smoke after a fire broke out. This means that instead of rapidly igniting, the material continued to burn slowly for a certain period of time, giving people time to escape. It was found that it was provided.
John Cox, a safety consultant, said, “It can be seen as a positive sign in that this aircraft material was able to save people from a truly scary fire.”
However, Goglia drew the line that there is still no exact physical evidence as to whether such synthetic materials are more flame retardant or resistant to high temperatures than aluminum of the past, and whether this will ensure time for passengers to safely evacuate.
Aircraft manufacturers say all passengers can be evacuated within 90 seconds even when half of the plane’s exits are closed, but many skeptics are questioning the accuracy of government-conducted tests, the Associated Press reported.
On the night of the 2nd, the Japanese plane continued to roll down the runway for a long time, burning into a ball of fire even after all the passengers had evacuated.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.