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A Jeju Air flight from Bangkok to South Korea met with a tragic end on Sunday, crashing during its landing attempt at Muan Airport. The Boeing 737-800, carrying 181 people, burst into flames leaving all but two feared dead.
Here’s what we know so far about the crash:
Shortly after 9:00 am (local time), the low-cost carrier’s aircraft encountered trouble. The control tower had warned the pilot of a potential bird strike during its first landing attempt. Minutes later, the pilot issued a “Mayday” warning, and the plane attempted a second landing.
In dramatic footage, the aircraft is seen skidding along the runway in a “belly landing” with its landing gear retracted. Smoke trails behind the plane as it crashes into a wall at the runway’s end, bursting into flames.
What are the possible causes?
While investigations are ongoing, officials suspect a combination of bird strikes and adverse weather conditions may have caused the crash. Questions about the adequacy of the runway were quickly dismissed.
“The runway is 2,800 meters long, and similar-sized aircraft have been operating on it without issues,” said an aviation official.
A bird strike, a known aviation hazard, occurs when birds collide with an aircraft in flight. Such strikes can cause significant damage, especially if birds are sucked into jet engines.
Also read: ‘Control tower sent warning of bird strike’: What caused South Korea plane crash
Timeline of the crash
South Korea’s ministry of land provided a detailed timeline, stating that Jeju Air Flight 2216 carried 181 passengers, including two Thai nationals, and six crew members. The bird strike warning was issued at 9:03 am, and the crash occurred within three minutes of the pilot’s distress call.
Passengers and survivors
Out of the 181 onboard, only two have been pulled out from the wreckage by rescue workers. So far, 151 deaths have been confirmed. Officials fear there is little chance of finding additional survivors as the aircraft was “almost completely destroyed.”
Families of the victims gathered at Muan Airport’s first floor, many in tears as they awaited updates.
Rescue efforts
Hundreds of firefighters, military personnel, and emergency responders rushed to the crash site. South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok designated the site a special disaster zone, enabling extensive state support for the rescue and recovery operations.
Also read: Moment when plane skidded off runway, burst into flames at South Korea airport
Choi addressed the nation, saying, “No words of consolation would suffice for the bereaved families who have suffered this tragedy. The entire government is working together to manage the aftermath and provide thorough support.”
Jeju Air’s response
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae expressed regret and condolences to the victims’ families, taking full responsibility for the tragedy.
“Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO,” Kim stated. The airline pledged to cooperate fully with investigations and provide necessary assistance to the families of those affected.
Aviation safety record
This incident marks the first fatal crash in Jeju Air’s history. South Korea’s aviation industry boasts a strong safety record, making this accident a rare and tragic anomaly. Previously, in 2007, a Jeju Air Bombardier Q400 veered off the runway due to strong winds, causing minor injuries.
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