South Korean aircraft catches fire during Singapore Airshow, pilot escapes with minor injuries

SINGAPORE: A single-seater South Korean aircraft taking part in the Singapore Airshow 2018 skidded and caught fire while taking off at Changi Airport at around 1.30pm on Tuesday (Feb 6).

The aircraft, which is part of the South Korean aerobatic team The Black Eagles, crashed into the grass verge at the side of Runway 1 before catching fire.

The accident forced the airport to close one of its two runways for about six hours, causing flights to be delayed and hundreds of travellers stranded.

Five hours after the mishap, Changi Airport Group posted an update on its Facebook page at about 6.35pm to say that the damaged aircraft has been removed from Runway 1 and restoration of the runway has commenced.

"In order for flight operations to resume safely, the runway will be thoroughly checked and cleaned up to ensure it is safe and ready for operations," the statement said.

Passengers are advised to contact their airlines, or check changiairport.com or the iChangi app for the status of their flight.

"We seek your patience and understanding," CAG said.

The plane was taking off for the flying display programme at the Singapore Airshow.

Airport Emergency Service put out the fire and the pilot escaped with minor injuries.

The Straits Times understands that the plane flipped over after its tyre burst as it was taking off.

A statement from Changi Airport Group on its Facebook page said that Runway 1 was closed until further notice. It later said that a number of departure and arrival flights would be delayed over the next few hours due to the incident.

Apologising for the inconvenience caused, Changi Airport Group advised passengers to check the latest flight information on changiairport.com or the iChangi app.

Singapore Airlines also said on its Facebook page that some delays to its flight operations were expected due to the closure of Changi Airport Runway 1. – The Straits Times/Asia News Network