
In what marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters on South Korean soil, the country's aviation authorities have released initial findings regarding the Jeju Air crash that occurred on December 29, 2024. The incident involved Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, on a routine flight from Bangkok to Muan International Airport in South Korea's southwestern region. The crash resulted in the loss of 179 lives, leaving only two survivors from the 181 passengers and crew on board. According to the preliminary accident report shared with international aviation agencies, including the United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the U.S., France, and Thailand, the crash was attributed to a complex interplay of factors, with a bird strike being a primary suspect. The report detailed that the pilots had discussed a flock of birds in their final approach to landing. The exact timing of the bird strike remains unconfirmed, but the aircraft declared an emergency (Mayday x 3) due to this event during a go-around attempt.
.gif)
The flight data suggested that after the bird strike warning, the plane made an emergency belly landing on the runway, overshooting it and crashing into a concrete structure known as a localizer. This structure, part of the airport's landing guidance system, was not only a physical obstacle but also exacerbated the disaster's severity by causing an immediate explosion upon impact. The plane's engines were found buried in the embankment's soil mound, with parts of the fuselage scattered up to 200 meters from the crash site. Investigations into the mechanical integrity of the aircraft have been thorough. Pre-flight inspections reportedly found no issues, with Jeju Air's CEO, Kim Yi-bae, stating that the aircraft had no maintenance concerns prior to the flight. However, the focus has shifted towards understanding why the landing gear did not deploy during the emergency landing. Video evidence and initial reports point towards possible mechanical failure, though this is still subject to further scrutiny.
The black boxes, crucial for understanding the sequence of events, provided mixed results. Initial data extraction from the cockpit voice recorder has been completed, and efforts are underway to convert this data into audible format, which could offer insights into the pilots' communications and actions during the final moments. However, the flight data recorder sustained damage, with a missing connector, leading to its transport to the U.S. for detailed analysis in collaboration with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. The crash has led to immediate actions by South Korean authorities, including a ban on the CEO of Jeju Air from leaving the country, police raids on the airline's offices, and an order for emergency inspections on all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by domestic carriers, focusing particularly on the landing gear mechanisms.
The human toll of this disaster has been profound, with national mourning declared and significant public and governmental response. Identification of all victims was completed, allowing for funeral arrangements to proceed, though the process was slow and challenging due to the extensive damage to the bodies. Memorials and tributes have been set up across the country, reflecting the deep impact of this tragedy on the nation. As investigations continue, the focus will be on understanding not only the mechanical and human factors involved but also on reassessing safety protocols and infrastructure at airports to prevent future incidents of this magnitude. The findings from this investigation will likely influence aviation safety standards not just in South Korea but globally, emphasizing the need for robust emergency procedures, aircraft maintenance, and runway safety measures.