Tragic Jeju Air Crash Claims Lives of All but Two on Board

In a catastrophic incident at Muan International Airport in southwestern South Korea, a Jeju Air flight carrying 181 individuals, including passengers and crew, crash-landed on Sunday morning. The Boeing 737-800 had attempted to land without deploying its landing gear, resulting in a "belly landing" that led to the plane skidding off the runway, colliding with a concrete perimeter fence, and erupting in flames. Tragically, only two crew members survived the disaster, marking it as the worst aviation accident in South Korean history.

As the investigation into the crash begins, early reports indicate that a bird strike may have occurred during the plane's descent, coupled with potential adverse weather conditions that could have contributed to the incident. Footage and witness accounts describe a loud bang preceding the crash, raising numerous questions about the flight's approach and the state of its landing gear. Jeju Air CEO Kim Yi-bae stated that pre-flight inspections revealed no mechanical problems, but the investigation will delve into the status of the aircraft's systems during the landing attempt.

A timeline of the incident reveals a frantic sequence of events, where the aircraft's failure to lower its landing gear forced it to attempt a go-around before ultimately crash-landing at 9:03 AM. Investigators have since recovered both black boxes—the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder—to aid in their inquiries, with professionals currently on site analyzing the wreckage. Furthermore, family members of the victims gathered at the airport, experiencing deep sorrow as names of the deceased are announced.

Responses from both Jeju Air and Boeing emphasize accountability and compassion for the victims' families. In a press conference, Jeju Air president Kim E-bae offered a sincere apology and accepted full responsibility, while Boeing extended its condolences and pledged support for Jeju Air as the investigation unfolds.