On December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport in South Korea. The aircraft, arriving from Bangkok, overran the runway during a belly landing without its main landing gear deployed, collided with a barrier, and exploded, resulting in 179 fatalities among the 181 occupants. This incident marks the deadliest aviation disaster on South Korean soil.

Flight Details and Aircraft Information

Flight 2216 departed from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members. The aircraft involved, registered as HL8088, was a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800, previously operated by Ryanair before joining Jeju Air’s fleet in 2017. Notably, Jeju Air had recently resumed international services at Muan International Airport, with this Bangkok-Muan route commencing on December 8, 2024.

Sequence of Events

As the aircraft approached Muan International Airport, it attempted a landing without deploying its main landing gear. The plane skidded along the runway on its belly, overran the runway’s end, and collided with a concrete barrier, leading to a catastrophic explosion and fire. Preliminary reports suggest that a bird strike may have caused mechanical issues, potentially contributing to the failure to deploy the landing gear.

Casualties and Survivors

Tragically, 179 individuals perished in the crash, including all passengers and four crew members. The victims encompassed a diverse group, with ages ranging from a three-year-old child to elderly individuals. Many were families returning from holiday trips, amplifying the tragedy’s impact. Two flight attendants seated in the rear jump seats survived the crash with serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment in Seoul.

Investigation and Response

South Korean authorities, alongside international aviation experts, have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the crash. Both black boxes have been recovered, though one sustained damage, potentially complicating data retrieval. Investigators are exploring several factors, including the possibility of a bird strike leading to mechanical failure and the reasons behind the landing gear’s non-deployment. The investigation is expected to be thorough and time-consuming, with no definitive conclusions yet reached.

Impact and Reactions

This disaster is the deadliest aviation incident involving a South Korean airliner since the 1997 crash of Korean Air Flight 801 in Guam and has profoundly affected the nation. Jeju Air, established in 2005, had no prior fatal accidents, making this event particularly significant. In response, South Korean authorities have ordered inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operating within the country to ensure airworthiness and prevent future tragedies.

As the investigation continues, families of the victims and the broader community await answers regarding the factors that led to this catastrophic event. The aviation industry will closely monitor the findings to implement necessary safety measures aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.