A Jeju Air flight from Bangkok to South Korea ended in tragedy when a Boeing 737-800 crashed during landing at Muan International Airport, killing 179 people. Only two flight attendants survived the catastrophic incident that unfolded on Sunday.
Crash Details: Bird Strike and Mayday Call
The aircraft, carrying 181 passengers and crew, departed Bangkok at 9:00 AM (0000 GMT). As the flight approached Muan airport for landing, the control tower warned the pilot of a possible bird strike. In response, the pilot declared a “mayday” and attempted to land again.
Shocking footage shows the aircraft skidding along the runway with smoke trailing behind. The landing gear was retracted, indicating a belly landing attempt. Moments later, the plane crashed into a barrier at the runway’s end, bursting into flames.
Casualties and Survivors
Among the 181 on board, 175 passengers and four crew members lost their lives. The victims ranged from three to 78 years old, with two Thai nationals among the predominantly South Korean passengers. Rescue teams found two surviving flight attendants, aged 25 and 33, trapped in the wreckage.
Possible Causes Under Investigation
Aviation experts are investigating the cause, with initial reports suggesting a bird strike or poor weather conditions. Bird strikes, while rare, can severely damage aircraft engines if birds are sucked into the turbines.
Aviation consultant Philip Butterworth-Hayes highlighted the severity of the incident, stating, “It really has to be a series of catastrophic events that led to such a high loss of life. Crash protection systems on board are extremely robust.”
Despite speculations about the runway length, officials clarified that the 2,800-meter (9,200 feet) runway was sufficient for the Boeing 737-800. “Similar aircraft operate without issues,” an official said.
Government Response and National Impact
Acting President Choi Sang-mok declared Muan a special disaster zone, mobilizing hundreds of emergency responders and military personnel to aid in rescue efforts. The crash coincides with South Korea’s ongoing political turmoil following former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and the imposition of martial law.
Choi convened an emergency cabinet meeting and visited the crash site, reassuring the public that investigations would be thorough and transparent.
Black Box Recovery and Future Safety Measures
Both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder (black boxes) were recovered, providing crucial information for the investigation. The Transport Ministry emphasized that the findings will shape future aviation safety protocols.
Understanding Bird Strikes
Bird strikes occur when birds collide with aircraft, often damaging engines or airframes. While typically non-fatal, rare cases, such as the “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009, highlight the potential dangers. In that instance, a US Airways Airbus A320 ditched in New York’s Hudson River after both engines were hit by birds, with all passengers surviving.
The Jeju Air crash stands as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of aviation, with investigators determined to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
