Muan, South Korea — A devastating aviation accident occurred on December 29, 2024, when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crash-landed at Muan International Airport, killing 179 out of the 181 people onboard. This tragedy marks South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster since 1997.
Key Details of the Jeju Airflight 7C 2216 Crash
- Flight Information: Jeju Air Flight 7C 2216 was traveling from Bangkok, Thailand, to Muan International Airport.
- Fatalities: Among the 181 passengers and crew, 179 were confirmed dead, including 84 men, 85 women, and 10 unidentified individuals.
- Survivors: Only two crew members—a male and a female—were rescued alive.
The accident happened just after 9 a.m. local time when the aircraft slid along the runway on its belly, collided with an embankment, and erupted into flames.
Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters
What Caused the Korean Air Crash Accident?
While the official cause of the crash is still under investigation, experts and officials have highlighted several potential factors:
- Landing Gear Failure: Preliminary footage suggests the plane’s landing gear may not have deployed properly.
- Bird Strike or Weather: Local authorities initially speculated a bird strike or bad weather might have contributed, but weather conditions were clear at the time.
- Pilot Instructions: Air traffic control had reportedly instructed the pilot to change landing direction moments before the crash.
The aircraft’s black boxes (flight data and voice recorders) have been recovered and are expected to provide crucial information for the investigation.
Global Investigative Efforts for Korean Air Crash
South Korea’s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) is leading the investigation, with support from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Boeing, and other aviation experts.
More than 700 personnel, including police, military, and coast guard teams, have been mobilized for rescue and investigation efforts.
Reactions from Officials and Boeing
South Korea’s acting president declared the crash site a special disaster zone and vowed to thoroughly investigate the accident. In a public statement, he expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and pledged to provide full support to those affected.
Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, extended its sympathies to the families of the victims, describing the Boeing 737-800 as a reliable aircraft with a strong safety record.
Heartbreak for Families
At Muan International Airport, scenes of grief unfolded as families gathered to hear news about their loved ones. Many broke down in tears when authorities read out the names of the deceased.
One father, whose daughter was among the victims, said:
“I never thought this would be the last time we’d see each other.”
Another family member lamented:
“She thought she was almost home. In those final moments, she probably couldn’t even reach out.”
About the Aircraft
The Boeing 737-800, one of the most widely used passenger aircraft worldwide, has a strong safety record. Aviation experts have called this crash “perplexing” given the favorable flying conditions and the airline’s reputation for maintenance.
Background: Political Turmoil in South Korea
The crash adds to South Korea’s ongoing political instability. The current president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was suspended two weeks ago following impeachment proceedings. Acting President Han Duck-soo was also impeached, leaving Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok as the temporary head of state.
This heartbreaking disaster is a stark reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the need for thorough investigations to prevent future tragedies. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time.
Tags: South Korea Plane Crash, Jeju Air, Boeing 737-800, Muan International Airport, Aviation Disaster
