Less than a week after a massive explosion at South Korea’s military unit left three casualties, tragedy struck South Korea on Sunday, December 29, 2024, when a Jeju Air flight crash-landed at Muan International Airport, resulting in the country's deadliest aviation disaster since 1997. The incident, which involved a Boeing 737-800 carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, claimed the lives of 179 individuals, leaving only two survivors.
The ill-fated Jeju Air crash, Flight 7C 2216, originated in Bangkok and was scheduled to land at Muan International Airport in South Korea's southwest. Around 9 a.m. local time, the aircraft skidded down the runway on its belly, impacted an earthen embankment, and erupted into flames. The devastating scene was captured in video footage, showing the plane sliding at high speed, with smoke billowing from its rear. Notably, neither the front nor back landing gear was visible.
Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the crash site, where they encountered a scene of utter devastation. The aircraft was largely unrecognizable, engulfed in flames, with only the tail section retaining some semblance of its original shape. It was from this tail section that the two survivors, both crew members, were pulled to safety. Over 1,570 personnel from the military, police, and government were deployed to Muan to aid in the recovery effort.
As news of the disaster spread, families and loved ones of the passengers gathered at the airport, desperate for information. The atmosphere was heavy with grief and anguish, with many breaking down in tears as authorities read out the names of the victims. The youngest passenger was three years old, while the oldest was 78. Among the stories that emerged was that of a Thai factory worker in South Korea who had been visiting her family in Thailand. Her father expressed his profound sorrow, stating that he ‘‘never thought that this would be the last time we would see each other forever.’’
The cause of the South Korea plane crash is still under investigation, but authorities have indicated that a landing gear malfunction was likely. The pilot had issued a mayday call shortly after receiving a warning from the control tower about birds in the area. However, experts have cautioned against speculation, emphasizing that a thorough investigation, which could take years, is necessary to determine the definitive cause. Both black boxes – the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder – have been recovered, providing crucial evidence for the investigators. The investigation will also involve reviewing communication data between the cockpit and the control tower and interviewing control tower staff.
The Muan International Airport incident has raised concerns about the response of the ground team. Aviation experts have questioned why fire tenders were not positioned beside the runway and why foam was not deployed on the runway in anticipation of the emergency landing. These aspects will likely be scrutinized as part of the broader investigation into the crash.
While the Boeing 737-800 involved in the Jeju Air crash has a strong safety record, the South Korean government has announced safety inspections on all Boeing 737-800s operated by the country's airlines. This measure is likely intended to reassure the public and ensure that any potential systemic issues are identified and addressed.
In the wake of the tragedy, South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok declared a week of national mourning. Memorial altars have been set up across the nation, and government agencies have been instructed to maintain transparency in their investigations. US President Joe Biden expressed his condolences and pledged support to South Korea.
The South Korea plane crash serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with air travel. It underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols, thorough investigations, and continuous efforts to enhance aviation safety measures.
Closing Note
The South Korea plane crash is a tragedy that has deeply impacted the nation and the international community. The loss of 179 lives in the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport is a profound reminder of the importance of aviation safety. As the investigation continues, we hope that the findings will help uncover the true cause of the crash and prevent similar tragedies in the future.