South Korea Plane Crash: What led to the Jeju Air disaster at Muan Airport?

A catastrophic plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea has resulted in the deaths of at least 85 people. The crash involved Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, which was carrying 181 passengers and crew members from Bangkok to the airport in the southwestern region of the country. The flight crashed shortly after landing at around 9:00 a.m. local time on Sunday, with the plane skidding off the runway and slamming into a concrete barrier, causing a massive fire.

Initial Investigations and Possible Causes

South Korea’s fire chief, Lee Jeong-hyun, spoke at a briefing and stated that the preliminary cause of the accident is believed to be a bird strike, combined with adverse weather conditions, which led to a malfunction in the plane's landing gear. He said, "The cause of the accident is presumed to be a bird strike combined with adverse weather conditions. However, the exact cause will be announced following a joint investigation."

Authorities are continuing to investigate the sequence of events that led to the crash, but the focus remains on the malfunctioning landing gear, which appeared to fail during the plane’s approach to the airport. The bird strike is believed to have been a contributing factor that caused the aircraft’s gear to malfunction.

Also Read: South Korea Plane Crash: 85 casualties reported after plane catches fire at Muan airport, rescue work underway

Crash Details and Rescue Operations

The crash occurred just after the aircraft landed, and visual footage of the scene showed the plane skidding across the runway with its landing gear apparently still retracted before it collided with the wall. The plane immediately erupted into flames, and black smoke could be seen rising from the wreckage. At least 85 people, including 37 women and 25 men, were confirmed dead, with the number expected to rise as the search continues.

The National Fire Agency deployed emergency response teams, including 32 fire trucks and several helicopters, to contain the blaze and assist in rescue efforts. Two people, including a passenger and a crew member, were rescued from the wreckage. Rescue teams are still working to evacuate others from the aircraft.

The crash comes amid a political crisis in South Korea, where acting President Han Duck-soo was impeached just days earlier. The country is now under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who has been entrusted with managing the nation’s response to the crisis. Choi ordered a full-scale rescue operation, instructing officials to "employ all available resources to rescue the passengers and crew." His office also convened an emergency meeting later on Sunday to discuss the response to the crash.

Choi’s actions have been pivotal in ensuring the mobilisation of resources to assist with the tragic event. Despite the ongoing political uncertainty, the South Korean government has prioritised rescue and recovery efforts.

Also Read: Video captures moment Jeju Air plane crashes and catches fire after skidding off runway at South Korea airport

Jeju Air’s Apology and Response

Jeju Air, the low-cost carrier operating the flight, issued an official statement of apology following the crash. The airline expressed its sorrow and stated, "We at Jeju Air will do everything in our power in response to this accident. We sincerely apologize for causing concern." The airline has promised to assist the victims' families and has committed to providing any necessary support during the ongoing investigation.

The crash has drawn condolences from around the world, with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressing her sympathy for the victims. Shinawatra posted a message on social media, stating, "We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. I have instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide assistance immediately." Among the passengers on the flight were two Thai nationals, which further heightened the international response.

This tragic accident marks one of the deadliest air disasters in South Korea’s history. The last major aviation disaster in the country occurred in 1997 when a Korean Airlines flight crashed in Guam, killing 228 people. South Korean aviation authorities have stressed that a thorough investigation is underway, and further details will be released once the cause of the crash is determined.

The crash at Muan International Airport has brought the South Korean government, emergency services, and international communities together in a coordinated effort to support the victims' families and ensure the safety of air travel in the region.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the events that led to the disaster, and experts are examining all potential factors, including the bird strike, the malfunctioning landing gear, and adverse weather conditions. The findings of this investigation will play a crucial role in understanding the cause of the tragedy and preventing similar incidents in the future.