South Korea Witnesses Tragedy: 179 Lives Lost in Jeju Air Crash; Authorities Pursue Underlying Causes of the Incident

Headline

South Korea Witnesses Tragedy with Jeju Air Crash: 179 Fatalities as Investigators Pursue Vehicle of Disaster's Origin

A devastating plane crash involving a Jeju Air aircraft in South Korea on Sunday claimed the lives of 179 people, leaving only two survivors in its wake. The tragedy has left the country and the rest of the world in shock, sparking an investigation into potential causes such as bird strikes, weather issues, or other factors.

Essential Information

The incident occurred shortly after 9 a.m. on Sunday, with Jeju Air flight 7C 2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashing minutes after receiving a bird strike warning from the air traffic control tower. The plane encountered its fate at Muan International Airport, its final destination after a flight from Thailand.

This disaster marks the most severe plane crash in South Korea since a Korean Air Lines Boeing 747 plane collided in Guam in 1997, which also resulted in the loss of 228 lives.

Chronology of Events During the Jeju Air Crash

Just moments before the plane's chaotic landing, the Muan International Airport's control tower alerted the flight crew about a potential bird strike. Despite being a relatively common warning due to the presence of waterfowl near the airport, the pilot supposedly responded by declaring an emergency and preparing to circle around the runway: "Mayday, mayday, mayday, bird strike, bird strike, going around." Initially planning to land with the wind facing him from the southern direction, the pilot switched course and attempted a landing from the opposite direction after receiving clearance from the air traffic control tower. Regrettably, the plane struck the ground without its landing gear deployed, slid down the runway, and ultimately ravaged into a concrete wall, leading to an inferno. An eyewitness, a restaurant owner named Lee Geun-young, described the event to the Wall Street Journal, recalling a heat wave similar to a sauna engulfing his face during the crash.

Aircraft Model Involved in the Accident

The involved aircraft was a Boeing 737-800, one of the most frequently utilized commercial airliners worldwide, with over 4,400 planes in service, according to CNBC. The model is older than the controversial Boeing 737 MAX, which has been previously linked to two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019. The bulk of Boeing 737-800 aircraft in service are around 13 years old, while the most recent deliveries were made around half a decade ago. The tragedy has led to erratic market reactions, with Boeing's share price dipping by more than 2% and numerous Jeju Air passengers canceling their reservations.

Focus of the Jeju Air Investigation

South Korean and U.S. authorities, as well as the National Transportation Safety Board, are conducting an in-depth investigation to determine the root cause of the disaster. Recovered from the catastrophe site were the essential "black boxes" – the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recording devices. The decoding process could stretch over a month, depending on the condition of the boxes, with one of them requiring expedited transportation to the U.S. for analysis due to its damaged state. The investigation will likely scrutinize potential bird strikes, weather conditions, and the functioning of the plane's control systems, such as the landing gear. Aviation experts have also voiced concerns about the plane's speed, proper deployment of flaps, and whether the landing appeared hurried. South Korea's interim president, Choi Sang-mok, has mandated an emergency safety inspection of the entire nation's aviation industry, including thorough evaluations of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Was the Jeju Crash Result of a Bird Strike?

Though both the air traffic control tower and the pilot confirmed bird strikes, the empirical evidence supporting this assertion is still murky, with many specialists expressing skepticism about their contribution to the crash. Aviation analysts have argued that while bird strikes may cause engine damage, they do not generally hinder the deployment of landing gear or pilot control.

The Survivors – And the Victims

The sole survivors of the disaster are two flight attendants in close proximity to the plane's rear. Lee, a 33-year-old person with the last name Lee, has reportedly regained consciousness in a South Korean hospital, suffering from various broken bones. The other survivor, Koo, a 25-year-old flight attendant, is also reportedly in stable condition following ankle and head injuries. Tragically, the remainder of the 173 passengers and four crew members aboard the plane succumbed to the disaster, resulting in 84 male, 85 female, and 10 undetermined genders reported by CNN. The two exceptional survivors are citizens of South Korea, with two Thai nationals being the only international passengers among the deceased. South Korea has declared a seven-day national period of mourning for the victims. Some family members of those who perished have decried the lack of updates in the ongoing investigation, voicing their concerns to the BBC.

Reactions from the Airline Industry

In response to the South Korean crash, airlines worldwide have shown solidarity and support, reviewing their safety protocols and offering condolences to the families of the victims.

Jeju Air's shares saw a significant drop of 8.65% on Monday, allegedly hitting a low of 15.7% at some point during the day. AK Holdings, Jeju Air's parent company, suffered a 12% decrease, reaching a 16-year low, according to the Associated Press. Meanwhile, Korean Air Lines saw a decrease of 1.3%, and Asiana Airlines experienced a minor dip of 0.8%.

World Leaders' Remarks

In a statement on Sunday, President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, expressed their sadness over the plane crash, stating that the U.S. is prepared to offer any necessary aid. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her sorrow, saying Europe is in solidarity with South Korea. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier referred to the crash as another tragedy for South Korea, alluding to the nation's recent political turmoil. Former acting president Han Duck-soo was impeached last week, following President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief declaration of martial law, which led to political chaos in the country.

Additional Resources

Plane Crash in South Korea: Biden Expresses 'Deep Sadness' (Our Website)
Jeju Air Shares Plummet to All-Time Low Following Deadly Crash (Associated Press)
**Last Six Minutes before Deadly South Korean Plane Crash: 'Mayday, Mayday'" (Wall Street Journal)

After the devastating plane crash in South Korea, many are questioning whether the incident was caused by a bird strike. Despite the air traffic control tower and the pilot reporting a bird strike, aviation analysts are skeptical about its impact on the disaster. (bird strike, plane crash, South Korea)

The two survivors of the Jeju Air crash, both flight attendants, are recovering in South Korean hospitals. Lee, a 33-year-old, has multiple broken bones, while Koo, 25, is dealing with ankle and head injuries. (Jeju Air crash, survivors, South Korea)