What To Know About South Korea’s Fatal Plane Crash

A devastating plane crash in South Korea claimed 179 lives, marking the country’s deadliest domestic air disaster.

At a Glance

Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crashed at Muan International Airport, killing 179 out of 181 people onboard.
The Boeing 737-800 failed to deploy landing gear, veered off the runway, and hit a wall.
A U.S. investigative team, including NTSB, FAA, and Boeing, is assisting in the probe.
South Korea declared a seven-day national mourning period.

Tragic Incident at Muan International Airport

On a fateful weekend, South Korea experienced its worst domestic civil aviation disaster when Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crashed at Muan International Airport. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, carrying 181 passengers and crew, failed to deploy its landing gear, veered off the runway, and collided with a wall. The catastrophic event resulted in 179 fatalities, with only two flight attendants surviving the crash.

The incident was partially captured on video, revealing the horrifying moments as the plane skidded and exploded upon impact. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos and devastation, with passengers ejected from the aircraft upon collision.

Investigation and Potential Causes

A U.S. investigative team, comprising experts from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Boeing, was dispatched to assist South Korean authorities in probing the crash. Investigators are focusing on several potential factors that may have contributed to the tragedy.

Bird-strike warnings were issued prior to the crash, and the pilots had declared a mayday. A final message from a passenger indicated that a bird was stuck in the wing before the incident. Additionally, weather conditions at the time of the crash are being scrutinized as possible contributing factors.

Impact on Families and National Response

The crash has left families devastated and a nation in mourning. Among the victims were five children under 10, with the youngest being a three-year-old boy and the oldest passenger 78 years old. Many of the deceased were local residents returning from vacation, amplifying the tragedy’s impact on the community.

“When I saw the accident video, the plane seemed out of control. The pilots probably had no choice but to do it. My daughter, who is only in her mid-40s, ended up like this. This is unbelievable,” Jeon Je-young, whose daughter was killed in the crash, said.

In response to the tragedy, South Korea has declared a seven-day national mourning period. Memorial altars are being set up nationwide to honor the victims. The acting president visited the crash site, demonstrating the government’s commitment to addressing the disaster amid ongoing political turmoil in the country.

International Reactions and Airline Response

The international community has expressed condolences and offered support to South Korea in the wake of this tragedy. President Joe Biden conveyed the United States’ solidarity with the South Korean people during this difficult time.

“As close allies, the American people share deep bonds of friendship with the South Korean people. Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragedy,” Biden said.

Jeju Air, South Korea’s largest budget airline, has pledged support for the affected families and issued apologies. The airline’s CEO has taken full responsibility for the incident, which marks the first fatal accident in the company’s history. All flights at Muan airport were canceled following the crash, with the runway expected to remain closed until January 1.

Ongoing Investigation and Recovery Efforts

As the nation grapples with this unprecedented tragedy, investigators continue their thorough examination of the crash. The plane’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved and are undergoing analysis to shed light on the events leading up to the disaster. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the exact cause of the crash and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.