Muan, South Korea – In a tragic turn of events, Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800 carrying 181 people, crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024.
The catastrophic incident claimed the lives of 179 passengers and crew, leaving only two survivors in critical condition.
The aircraft, en route from Seoul’s Gimpo International Airport to Muan, skidded off the runway upon landing, colliding with a concrete wall before bursting into flames. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane engulfed in a fiery explosion shortly after touching down.
Preliminary Findings Point to Bird Strike
Initial investigations suggest that a bird strike may have caused a critical malfunction in the aircraft’s landing gear. Six minutes prior to the crash, air traffic control at Muan International Airport issued a warning about heightened bird activity in the vicinity. Shortly thereafter, the pilot declared a mayday, citing an issue with the landing gear.
Despite favorable weather conditions, the aircraft’s front landing gear failed to deploy properly, leading to the catastrophic runway overrun. Investigators have retrieved the aircraft’s black box and are analyzing data to confirm the exact sequence of events leading to the tragedy.
Response and Rescue Efforts
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, but the intensity of the fire hampered rescue efforts. Only two crew members survived the crash and were immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where they remain in critical condition. Rescue teams worked tirelessly through the night to recover the bodies of the victims.
Condolences and Investigations
Jeju Air, South Korea’s leading low-cost carrier, has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. “We are devastated by this tragic event and are fully cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the accident,” the airline said in a statement.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the 737-800, has also extended sympathies and pledged full support for the investigation. “Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this terrible tragedy,” the company stated.
Aviation Experts Call for Enhanced Safety Measures
The crash has reignited discussions about the need for enhanced safety protocols at airports prone to bird strikes. Aviation experts are urging authorities to implement stricter measures, such as advanced bird detection systems and habitat management around airports.
This incident is the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea’s history, surpassing the 2002 Air China Flight 129 crash, which claimed 129 lives. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the nation as authorities continue their investigation.
National Mourning Declared
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has declared a national day of mourning to honor the victims. “This is a heartbreaking day for our nation. We will do everything in our power to support the affected families and ensure such a tragedy never happens again,” he said in a televised address.
As the nation mourns, investigators and aviation authorities are racing to uncover the factors behind the disaster, with hopes of preventing future occurrences. For now, the memory of the lives lost will serve as a somber reminder of the fragility of air travel.
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