179 Dead in South Korea’s Deadliest Plane Crash
A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea has left 179 people dead and two survivors.
The incident has raised many questions about what caused the crash and why the death toll was so high. Hundreds of family members are desperate for answers and demanding to see their loved ones’ remains.
What Happened?
Jeju Air Flight 2216 took off from Bangkok early Sunday morning. About 9 hours later, the pilot issued a “bird strike” warning, indicating a collision with at least one bird, before declaring “mayday.” The plane attempted to land, but veered off the runway, crashed into a wall, and erupted in flames.
Video Captures Horrific Crash
Footage of the crash shows the plane belly-landing at the airport, skidding down the runway, and crashing into a wall. It appears that part or all of the aircraft’s landing gear did not deploy.
What Caused the Crash?
The investigation is still underway, but it’s unclear what exactly caused the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board is assisting with the probe, and consultations are ongoing with Boeing and engine manufacturer CFM International. Two black boxes have been retrieved from the wreckage and are being analyzed.
Bird Strike and Landing Gear Issues
Investigators are looking into whether a flock or single bird was responsible for the plane’s loss of control. They’re also examining why the plane’s landing gear didn’t deploy. In a disturbing coincidence, another Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air had to return to Seoul’s Gimpo International Airport on Monday due to a landing gear issue.
Victims and Survivors
A total of 181 passengers, including young children, and crew members were onboard when the plane crashed. Most of the passengers were Korean, but at least two were Thai. At least 11 of those killed were school students, and one was a preschool child born in 2021.
Two flight crew members, a man and a woman, survived the crash with moderate injuries. They’re conscious and able to communicate, but one of them suffered multiple injuries, including fractured ribs and traumatic spinal injuries.
Grieving Families Demand Answers
Grieving family members have gathered at Muan airport, demanding answers and compensation for their loss. They’re also calling for a memorial to be set up for the victims inside the airport. The Seoul city government has promised to set up a joint memorial altar for the victims and minimize or cancel year-end events during the national mourning period.
New Safety Measures
Officials have announced plans for new safety measures, including a special investigation of the Boeing B737-800 aircraft model, which is widely used by domestic low-cost carriers. They’ll examine compliance with various regulations, including operational records, inspections, and maintenance conducted before and after flights. A review into bird strikes and regulations aimed at reducing such incidents will also be undertaken.