South Korea’s deadliest plane crash in decades leaves 179 dead: How it happened

A tragic plane crash in South Korea on Sunday, December 29, 2024, left 179 people dead, marking the country’s worst aviation disaster in more than two decades. Jeju Air Flight 7C 2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed at Muan International Airport, killing nearly everyone on board. The incident, which saw only two survivors, has plunged the nation into mourning as investigators work to uncover the cause of the catastrophic event.

A Tragic Day Unfolds

The routine flight turned disastrous at 9:01 a.m. local time when air traffic controllers at Muan International Airport issued a warning to the pilot about bird activity near the runway. Moments later, the pilot made a distress call: “Mayday, mayday, mayday, bird strike, bird strike, going around.”

The aircraft, which had returned from Thailand, attempted a second landing approach after initially circling the airport. On the second attempt, the plane descended rapidly, touching the ground without its landing gear deployed. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft skid down the runway before colliding with a concrete wall and bursting into flames.

Eyewitness Lee Geun-young, who recorded the aftermath, said, “The crash’s heat on my face was like the steam rising from a sauna.” His video has since gone viral, capturing the harrowing moment and the scale of destruction.

Investigators Probe Multiple Causes

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Two “black boxes”—the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder—have been recovered, although one is reportedly damaged. Experts warn that decoding the black boxes could take months, especially if they need to be sent to the United States for analysis.

Potential causes being examined include bird strikes, mechanical failure, and human error. Aviation experts have raised critical questions about the sequence of events. “Why was the landing gear not deployed? Why were the flaps closed? These are fundamental issues that need to be clarified,” said Gregory Alegi, an aviation analyst.

South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has ordered immediate safety checks on all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operating in the country.

Boeing 737-800: A Global Workhorse

The Boeing 737-800 involved in the crash is one of the world’s most widely used commercial airplanes, with over 4,400 currently in operation. The model, first introduced in the 1990s, is known for its reliability but is older than the controversial Boeing 737 MAX, which was involved in two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019.

Despite its solid reputation, the tragedy has raised concerns about the model’s age and maintenance. Boeing shares fell more than 2% on Monday, with reports of thousands of flight cancellations by Jeju Air passengers.

Who Survived the Crash?

Out of 181 people on board, only two survived: both were flight attendants seated near the rear of the plane. One, identified as Lee, a 33-year-old man, is recovering from multiple fractures but is awake and communicating. The second survivor, a 25-year-old woman identified as Koo, is in stable condition after suffering injuries to her head and ankle.

The victims include 175 passengers and four of the six crew members. Among the deceased, there were 84 males, 85 females, and 10 whose genders could not be determined. Two passengers were Thai nationals, while the rest were South Korean citizens.

A Nation in Mourning

South Korea has declared a seven-day mourning period to honor the victims. Families of the deceased have expressed grief and frustration over the lack of timely updates about the investigation. Many gathered at the airport and nearby hospitals, hoping for more information.

“We just want answers,” said a relative of one of the victims. “How could this happen to a plane with such a good safety record?”

The Economic Fallout

The crash has sent shockwaves through South Korea’s aviation industry. Jeju Air’s stock plunged 8.65% on Monday, with its parent company, AK Holdings, experiencing a 12% drop, marking a 16-year low. Competitors like Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines also saw slight declines in their share prices.

The financial losses extend beyond the stock market. Thousands of passengers reportedly canceled flights, fearing a repeat of the tragedy.

Global Leaders Respond

The international community has expressed solidarity with South Korea. U.S. President Joe Biden extended condolences, saying, “The United States stands ready to assist in any way possible.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared her heartbreak over the tragedy, while German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier described the crash as “a devastating blow to a nation already grappling with political challenges.”

Lingering Questions and Next Steps

As South Korea mourns, the investigation continues. Experts remain divided on whether bird strikes alone could cause such a catastrophic failure. “Bird strikes are not uncommon, but they rarely lead to complete loss of an aircraft,” said Geoffrey Thomas, an aviation specialist.

Investigators will need months—potentially years—to fully understand what went wrong. In the meantime, families of the victims are left to grapple with their loss, demanding answers and accountability.

For now, the crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C 2216 remains a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring need for aviation safety.

Read more on NTSB, Boeing struggle to identify who removed 737 MAX 9 Door Plug