A Day of Tragedy: What Happened at Muan Airport?
On December 29, 2024, a Jeju Air passenger jet crash at Muan International Airport left an indelible mark on South Korea’s aviation history. Flight 7C2216 from Bangkok collided with the runway's perimeter wall during landing, bursting into flames and claiming 179 lives out of 181 passengers onboard. This incident is now the third deadliest aviation accident in South Korea’s history, turning year-end celebrations into a national tragedy.
What Went Wrong and the Aftermath
1. Cause of the Accident: Bird Strike Alert and Belly Landing Attempt
During the incident, air traffic control warned the flight crew of potential bird strikes. The aircraft attempted an emergency belly landing due to landing gear failure but collided with the runway’s perimeter wall, leading to catastrophic damage and a massive fire.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, the pilots were highly experienced, but unforeseen mechanical issues combined with misfortunes during the landing attempt exacerbated the situation. A thorough investigation into the aircraft’s manufacturer, air traffic protocols, and external factors is underway.
2. The Victims: A Community in Mourning
Most passengers were residents of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, leaving the local community in profound grief. Entire families, traveling together for year-end vacations, were tragically lost, including numerous public servants and educators.
Among the victims was an 80-year-old passenger celebrating a milestone birthday with nine family members, whose tragic loss underscored the depth of this calamity.
3. Government and Jeju Air’s Response
The government has declared Muan a special disaster zone, with the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters coordinating relief and support for the victims' families. Jeju Air vowed a comprehensive investigation and accountability, but public outrage continues to grow.
Lessons to Learn
This tragedy highlights the critical importance of advanced safety measures and proactive risk management by airlines and authorities. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families. The abrupt loss of lives during a season meant for joy reminds us all of the need for thorough preventive measures to avoid such disasters in the future.
3-line summary for you
- On December 29, 2024, a Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport claimed 179 lives, leaving only two survivors.
- The accident occurred after a bird strike warning and an attempted belly landing led to a collision and fire.
- The government declared the area a special disaster zone and pledged thorough investigations and support.
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