More than 170 killed after South Korean jet crash-lands at airport.

A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea on December 29, 2024, killing 179 people, including a 78-year-old elderly person and a three-year-old toddler.

Details of the incident:

Details of the flight: 175 passengers and six staff members were on board Jeju Air Flight 2216, which was traveling from Bangkok to Muan.

Order of Events:

Bird Strike: The aircraft experienced a bird strike as it approached Muan International Airport, which caused hydraulic system failures.
Landing Attempts: Because the landing gear did not deploy, the first landing attempt was canceled. The plane made a belly landing without landing gear on the second try, went off the runway, and struck a concrete wall, causing a devastating fire.
Casualties: 179 of the 181 occupants died. The two crew members who survived were taken from the aircraft’s tail area after suffering serious injuries.

Research and Reaction:

Black Boxes Recovered The flight data recorder was discovered to be slightly damaged, however the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have both been recovered.

Possible Causes:

The impact of the bird strike, mechanical malfunctions, and the existence of the concrete wall at the end of the runway are all being investigated by investigators. The wall’s existence has drawn criticism from aviation professionals, who argue that it ought to have been detachable to prevent similar catastrophes.

Government Action:

A seven-day national mourning period has been announced in South Korea. A thorough inquiry into the disaster and an urgent evaluation of aviation safety measures have been mandated by Acting President Choi Sang-mok.

Condolences from abroad:

The relatives of the victims and the people of South Korea have received condolences from world leaders, including King Charles and U.S. President Joe Biden.

Background:

As the deadliest aviation accident to strike South Korea in more than 20 years, this tragedy has led to a review of the country’s aviation safety regulations. 

Source: Wikipedia ,The Irish Sun, The Scottish Sun, Associated Press