South Korea Mourns After Devastating Plane Crash Kills 179

A catastrophic aviation disaster unfolded Sunday morning in South Korea when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport. The crash claimed the lives of 179 people out of the 181 on board, marking the deadliest air tragedy in the country in three decades.

Tragic Sequence of Events

The flight, originating from Bangkok, experienced a fatal landing attempt at approximately 9 a.m. local time. Reports indicate that the plane’s landing gear failed to deploy, causing it to skid uncontrollably down the runway and collide with a concrete wall.

Key factors surrounding the crash include:

• Bird Strike Warning: South Korean Transport Ministry officials revealed that the airport control tower had warned the pilot of a potential bird strike shortly before the crash. The pilot was given the option to land on an alternate runway but proceeded with the original approach.

• Engine Explosion: Footage from the crash appears to show an explosion in one of the plane’s engines before landing, likely resulting from a bird strike.

• Landing Gear Malfunction: The failure of the landing gear compounded the crisis, preventing a safe touchdown.

Devastating Impact

Out of the passengers and crew on board, only two survived, leaving families and the nation in shock. Witnesses described a harrowing scene as the plane erupted into flames after slamming into the concrete barrier.

Responses and Reactions

Boeing issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and pledging support to Jeju Air. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew,” the company said.

The crash marks a grim milestone for South Korea, whose aviation safety record had been improving in recent years. Investigators are now focusing on the interplay of factors that led to the disaster, including the possible bird strike, engine failure, and landing gear issues.

As the country mourns this immense loss, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of aviation safety and rigorous oversight. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.

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