A joint investigation between the US and South Korea aims to uncover the causes of the deadly Jeju Air plane crash, marking Korea’s worst aviation disaster in decades.
At a Glance
- 179 fatalities in the deadliest plane crash in South Korea in years.
- The Jeju Air Flight 2216 collided with a concrete barrier during landing.
- Potential causes include a bird strike and adverse weather conditions.
- US investigators collaborate with South Korean authorities.
The Crash Incident
A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed at Muan International Airport, killing 179 people, in what has become the deadliest airline disaster in South Korea for decades. Initial reports suggest a bird strike may have occurred, exacerbated by inclement weather conditions. The aircraft attempted a second landing after aborting the first, following a bird strike warning issued by air traffic control. Upon contact with the runway, the plane’s landing gear failed to deploy, causing it to skid into a concrete wall and erupt in flames.
Video footage has surfaced, capturing the plane’s ill-fated descent without landing gear deployed. Two flight attendants were miraculously rescued from the wreckage. The aircraft’s flight and voice recorders were recovered, though one sustained damage, complicating the analysis. Authorities, along with US investigators, continue to probe the incident.
Investigation Efforts
As the collaborative investigation progresses, the team is focusing on analyzing flight data, examining the crash scene, and conducting interviews with eyewitnesses. The potential causes, such as a bird strike and bad weather, are under careful scrutiny. Investigators are also looking into any potential communication issues between air traffic controllers and the pilot, which might have contributed to the catastrophic result.
“We will examine compliance with various regulations, including operational records, inspections, and maintenance conducted before and after flights” – officials
The Transport Ministry has undertaken a comprehensive inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by South Korean airlines. Additionally, Muan has been designated a special disaster zone, and the government has declared a national mourning period.
CEO and executives of Jeju Air bow in apology after South Korea plane crash pic.twitter.com/SshVLgYpb1
— Pubity (@pubity) December 29, 2024
Response and Repercussions
The Seoul city government plans to establish a joint memorial altar to honor the victims, minimizing year-end celebrations during this period of national grief. Families of the victims demand answers, seeking compensation and a permanent memorial for their loved ones. As the nation mourns, Acting President Choi Sang-mok has visited the crash site, ordering a comprehensive review of the country’s aircraft operation systems.
The tragedy marks Jeju Air’s first fatal accident since its founding in 2005, spurring the airline to reevaluate its safety protocols and procedures. Boeing remains in contact with Jeju Air, promising support as investigators continue to determine the underlying causes of the disaster.
Sources:
- What we know about the South Korea plane crash so far
- From Bird Strike to Crash: the Mystery of the Korean Plane’s Four Fateful Minutes
- What we know about the South Korea plane crash that killed 179 people
- South Korea deadly plane crash: US sends investigators to country still reeling from disaster that killed 179
