The United States commits to aiding South Korea in deciphering the causes behind the disastrous Jeju Air incident that claimed 179 lives at Muan airport.
At a Glance
- 179 fatalities confirmed in South Korea’s deadliest airline disaster.
- Jeju Air Flight 2216 crashed at Muan International Airport after a bird strike warning.
- The U.S. sends experts to aid in ongoing investigations.
- Video footage captures the collision with a concrete barrier.
US and South Korea Partner in Investigation
The United States has dispatched a team of investigators to join South Korea in the investigation following the catastrophic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 at Muan International Airport. The crash, which resulted in 179 fatalities, marks the deadliest plane disaster in South Korea in decades. This international collaboration aims to unravel the technical and operational errors that led to the fiery collision with a concrete barrier during landing.
The deadly incident involved a Boeing 737-800, a model that will now come under scrutiny in a special investigation focused on potential flaws. Previous warnings issued by air traffic control and bird strike reports playing a significant part in the investigations, as officials work to determine if these factors, alongside harsh weather conditions, contributed to the plane’s failure to deploy landing gear properly.
CEO and executives of Jeju Air bow in apology after South Korea plane crash pic.twitter.com/SshVLgYpb1
— Pubity (@pubity) December 29, 2024
Details of the Crash Unveil Tragic Sequence
Authorities believe the deadly crash may have been exacerbated by a bird strike. In video footage, the aircraft is seen skidding without its front landing gear before slamming into a wall and exploding into flames. The plane crashed on its second attempt to land after an initial aborted approach. Of the many passengers on board, only two flight attendants survived. “Bird strike” was reported by the pilot shortly before the crash.
A bird strike is not unusual. Problems with an undercarriage are not unusual. Bird strikes happen far more often, but typically they don’t cause the loss of an airplane by themselves. – Geoffrey Thomas
Rescue operations recovered the flight’s data and voice recorders, though one was damaged. Investigators are now pressing on with detailed efforts that include the use of DNA and fingerprinting to identify all victims, with 141 identities confirmed. Meanwhile, the nation has entered a period of mourning, and Muan’s governor declared the area a special disaster zone.
Safety Measures and National Impact
In response to this tragedy, South Korea has vowed to reassess its aviation regulations, with focus areas on Boeing 737-800 aircraft safety measures and bird strike protocols. Air travel disruptions are widespread, with all flights to and from Muan International Airport canceled. Additionally, Boeing has reached out to express its readiness to assist Jeju Air during this crucial period. Amid this tragic aviation disaster, calls for stronger international cooperation in aviation safety echo globally.
As South Korea navigates the aftermath, Acting President Choi Sang-mok initiated a comprehensive review of national aircraft operation systems. The Transport Ministry aims to inspect all Boeing 737-800 jetliners run by South Korean airlines, thereby intensifying scrutiny on operational and maintenance standards across the aviation sector.
Sources:
- What we know about the South Korea plane crash so far
- From Bird Strike to Crash: the Mystery of the Korean Plane’s Four Fateful Minutes
- What we know about the South Korea plane crash that killed 179 people
- South Korea deadly plane crash: US sends investigators to country still reeling from disaster that killed 179
