What happened
On November 25, 1989, Korean Air Flight 175 departed Gimpo International Airport bound for Ulsan Airport. The aircraft involved was a Fokker F-28. Shortly after lifting off the runway, the plane failed to gain sufficient altitude and impacted the ground immediately adjacent to the takeoff path. Upon impact, the aircraft caught fire. Despite the severity of the crash, there were no fatalities among the 48 individuals on board. However, 44 people sustained injuries during the incident.
Investigation
Authorities investigated the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine why the aircraft could not maintain flight after departure. The inquiry focused on mechanical performance and environmental conditions at the time of the event.
Findings
The investigation established that wing icing was the primary factor contributing to the accident. This accumulation of ice on the wings disrupted airflow, leading to a failure of the number one engine during the critical takeoff phase. The loss of power, combined with reduced lift from the iced wings, prevented the aircraft from climbing away from the runway.