South Korea's Deadliest Plane Crash: Investigating the Jeju Air Disaster

Jeju Air Plane Crash: Causes, Survivors, and National Mourning

The recent Jeju Air plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea has left the nation in shock, resulting in the deaths of 179 people and only two survivors. This article delves into the details of the crash, including the possible causes, the role of air traffic control warnings, and the ongoing investigation. It also highlights the national mourning period declared by the South Korean government and the critical insights from survivor accounts.

Background of the Crash

On Sunday, December 29, 2024, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft, returning from Bangkok, veered off the runway and collided with a fence before bursting into flames at Muan International Airport. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that the landing gear failed to deploy, leading to a belly landing attempt.

Key Timings of the Crash

• 08:57 a.m.: Air traffic controllers issued a bird strike warning.
• 08:59 a.m.: The pilot declared a mayday call.
• 09:03 a.m.: The plane crashed into the airport's peripheral wall.
• 11:30 a.m.: The flight data recorder was recovered.
• 2:24 p.m.: The cockpit voice recorder was recovered[1].

Survivor Accounts

Two crew members, including a 33-year-old flight attendant, survived the crash. The survivor, who suffered multiple fractures, was rescued from the tail section of the plane and is receiving special care due to the risk of after-effects, including total paralysis. The survivor remembers touching down but has no recollection of the subsequent events.

Investigation and Causes

Experts have expressed skepticism about the role of a bird strike in causing such extensive damage. An investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire and the failure of the landing gear. The transport ministry has confirmed that air traffic controllers warned the pilots about a bird strike risk just three minutes before the plane landed, but this warning did not seem to prevent the crash[1].

National Mourning

Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok has announced a seven-day national mourning period starting from Sunday, December 29, 2024, until midnight on Saturday, January 5, 2025. The president extended deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives in this unexpected tragedy[1].

Key Pieces of Information

1. Number of Fatalities: 179 people were killed in the crash.
2. Survivors: Only two crew members survived the crash.
3. Cause of Crash: The exact cause is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest landing gear failure.
4. Air Traffic Control Warning: A bird strike warning was issued three minutes before the crash.
5. Survivor's Condition: The survivor is receiving special care due to the risk of after-effects, including total paralysis.
6. National Mourning: A seven-day national mourning period has been declared by the South Korean government.

Expert Insights

Aviation experts have pointed out that the runway length at Muan International Airport, which is approximately 2,800 meters, might not have been a contributing factor to the crash. However, the failure to deploy the landing gear and the subsequent collision with the concrete barrier at the end of the runway are critical factors under investigation[2].

International Response

The international community has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pope Francis, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have all extended their sympathies to South Korea during this tragic time[1].

Conclusion

The Jeju Air plane crash has left South Korea grappling with one of its deadliest aviation disasters. As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of 179 lives and supports the two survivors in their recovery. This article has provided a comprehensive overview of the crash, highlighting the critical details and the ongoing investigation. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the need for thorough investigations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

References

1. PBS NewsHour - What we know so far about the deadly Jeju Air passenger plane crash in South Korea: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/what-we-know-so-far-about-the-deadly-jeju-air-passenger-plane-crash-in-south-korea
2. Sky News - What caused South Korean plane to crash?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VqM4awFxTc
3. DW News - Worst airline disaster in South Korean history: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYN2Ix3lV2w

Additional Resources

For more information on aviation safety and previous incidents, readers can refer to the following resources:

• Tenerife airport disaster - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenerife_airport_disaster
• Culturalism, Gladwell, and Airplane Crashes - Ask a Korean!: http://askakorean.blogspot.com/2013/07/culturalism-gladwell-and-airplane.html

Note

This article is intended to provide a detailed and authoritative account of the Jeju Air plane crash. The information provided is based on current reports and may be updated as further details emerge from the ongoing investigation.