On December 29, 2024, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea, resulting in 179 fatalities. The airline’s CEO, Kim Yi-bae, stated that pre-flight inspections conducted hours before the flight reported “no issues,” including with the landing gear.
Incident Overview
Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 was en route from Bangkok to Muan when it attempted an emergency landing without deployed landing gear. The aircraft skidded along the runway and collided with a concrete barrier, leading to a catastrophic fire. Of the 181 individuals on board, only two crew members survived.
Pre-Flight Inspection Details
According to CEO Kim Yi-bae, the aircraft underwent a standard pre-flight inspection before departing from Bangkok, which revealed no abnormalities. “Nothing abnormal was noted with the landing gear,” Kim stated during a news conference in Seoul.
Investigation and Theories
Authorities are investigating multiple potential causes for the crash, including:
- Bird Strike: Air traffic control issued a warning about bird activity near Muan Airport shortly before the crash.
- Mechanical Failure: Despite the clear pre-flight checks, a malfunction during flight cannot be ruled out.
- Pilot Error: The decision-making process during the emergency landing is under scrutiny.
Aviation expert Professor Ron Bartsch suggested that the cause might be more “sinister” than initially thought, indicating the need for a thorough investigation.
Ongoing Investigations
South Korean police have conducted raids at Jeju Air’s headquarters and Muan International Airport as part of the investigation, focusing on potential professional negligence. The aircraft’s black boxes have been recovered; however, the flight data recorder is damaged, which may delay data extraction.
Safety Measures and Inspections
In response to the crash, South Korea’s acting president has ordered an emergency safety inspection of the nation’s aviation system, including all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by domestic airlines. This move aims to prevent future tragedies and restore public confidence in air travel.
Conclusion
While the pre-flight inspections reported no issues, the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 underscores the complexities of aviation safety. As investigations continue, authorities are committed to uncovering the exact cause to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Also learn about South Korea’s Deadliest Air Disaster: Jeju Air Flight 2216 Crash Claims 179 Lives.
