A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed at Muan International Airport in Jeollanam, South Korea, on December 29, 2024. The aircraft, operating as Flight 7C2216 from Bangkok, Thailand, was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members when it tumultuously attempted to land without its landing gear deployed.
Reports indicate the flight had just completed approximately four and a half hours when it abruptly veered off the runway, impacting with approach lighting and igniting upon crashing through the perimeter fence. Witnesses described harrowing scenes as flames erupted, sending thick black smoke billowing skyward. Eyewitness footage confirmed the plane's landing gear was retracted, and the tail scraped the runway as the aircraft made final contact.
Local authorities confirmed at least 28 fatalities, with only two survivors—one passenger and one crew member—reported as rescued from the wreckage. A translated South Korean news report stated, "All passengers who crashed at Muan Airport are presumed dead except for 2 survivors." Rescue efforts focused on the rear section of the aircraft, where many passengers were possibly trapped within.
Tragic footage shared on social media captured the moments leading up to the crash, including indications of engine irregularities prior to landing. One video purportedly shows the aircraft experiencing issues with its right CFM56 engine, as flames emerged from the engine before touch down, leading some experts to speculate about a potential bird strike being the cause of the accident.
Flight Radar 24 documented the plane’s approach, noting typical profiling with slight climbs around 450 feet, only for the tracking to cut out just before the crash. It's notable to mention this incident is the same aircraft, registration HL8088, which had declared an emergency two days earlier, diverting to Seoul due to issues on board. Reports stated the emergency was related to a Chinese passenger who complained of chest and head pain, rather than mechanical troubles.
Jeju Air, established as South Korea's first low-cost carrier, operates around 40 Boeing 737-800 and 737-8 MAX aircraft. They employ over 3,000 people and have substantial routes out of key hubs including Gimpo and Jeju International Airports.
Following the crash, acting President Choi Sang-mok convened emergency responses at 9:50 AM, ensuring all available resources were diverted to assist at the crash site. Choi emphasized the safety of rescuers during this unpredictable situation. Analysts, optimistic about safety measures, have expressed concern about the political turmoil currently affecting the country, with questions raised about the efficiency of government actions as this marks the third leadership change within weeks.
Investigations are now underway to clarify the sequence of failures leading to this catastrophic event, with both aviation safety officials and Jeju Air representatives involved to ascertain the exact cause of the crash. Initial speculations around the suspected bird strike have warranted thorough examination, particularly since both engines showed signs of distress during approach.
The gravity of this tragedy not only weighs heavy on friends and family of those aboard but also reflects the challenges faced by the aviation community during handling crises amid political unrest.
Authorities provide updates as they establish the complete narrative behind this severe incident, sharing heartfelt empathy for the victims' families as the world watches, bracing for insight about the future of air travel safety.
