South Korea Plane Crash: What We Know So Far About the Tragic Incident
A devastating plane crash in South Korea on Sunday morning has resulted in over 170 fatalities. The incident involved a Jeju Air flight, Flight 7C2216, which crashed during its landing at Muan International Airport. The flight, a Boeing 737-800, was returning from Bangkok, Thailand, carrying 181 people—including 175 passengers and 6 crew members.
Crash Details
The plane was cleared for landing at 08:54 local time, just moments before air traffic control issued a warning about bird activity in the area. At 08:59, the pilot reported a bird strike, declaring an emergency with a mayday call and attempting to abort the landing. The pilot requested permission for an alternate landing direction and was cleared at 09:01. However, just a minute later, the aircraft touched down approximately halfway down the runway, skidding off the runway before crashing into a barrier and bursting into flames. Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud explosions as the plane caught fire.
Casualties and Survivors
Sadly, 179 people have been confirmed dead, making this South Korea’s deadliest plane crash. Among the victims were five children under 10 years old, with the youngest being a 3-year-old boy and the oldest a 78-year-old. However, two crew members survived the crash, rescued from the tail section of the plane about 30 minutes after the incident. The survivors are currently receiving medical treatment.
Investigation and Causes
South Korean officials are investigating the cause of the crash. Early reports suggest that a bird strike and bad weather may have contributed to the incident. However, experts warn that the crash could be linked to a variety of factors. Flight and voice recorders have been recovered, though the black box was reportedly damaged and may take up to a month to decode.
Jeju Air’s Safety Record
Jeju Air, South Korea’s leading budget airline, has expressed condolences, stating that this is the first fatal accident since the airline’s founding in 2005. The airline’s management has clarified that there were no maintenance issues prior to the crash. Experts have noted that both Jeju Air and South Korean aviation in general have a strong safety record.
Passenger Details
Most of the passengers were South Korean nationals, returning from a holiday in Thailand. Authorities have identified 141 victims so far, and efforts to identify the remaining victims continue. DNA tests and fingerprints are being used to identify the bodies.
Aviation Experts Weigh In
Aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas noted that while bird strikes are common, they rarely lead to fatal accidents on their own. He questioned whether the bird strike alone could have caused the crash. In addition, experts emphasize that bird strikes typically do not prevent landing gear from being deployed.
Ongoing Response
In response to the tragedy, South Korean authorities have declared the area a special disaster zone, allowing for central government aid. An emergency safety inspection of all airlines has been ordered. Jeju Air has apologized to the victims’ families, while the South Korean government has declared a seven-day mourning period.
What is a Bird Strike?
A bird strike occurs when a bird collides with a plane during flight. They are common, but they rarely result in significant damage or accidents. However, bird strikes can cause serious issues, especially when they impact critical parts like the engines. Pilots are trained to be vigilant during early mornings and evenings, when birds are most active.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in air travel, and ongoing investigations will likely uncover more details about the causes behind the crash.
