Bummer in South Korea: Check out the final moments of flight 7C2216!
On December 29, 2024, things took a turn for the worst during what was supposed to be a routine landing at Muan International Airport. Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, ended up crashing into an embankment after a second emergency landing attempt, resulting in a tragic toll of 179 fatalities. This incident goes down as the deadliest air crash in South Korean history.
Investigations are currently underway, piecing together the moments leading up to the accident based on cockpit recordings and flight data. The chaos began at 8:54 in the morning when the plane was preparing for its final approach. Runway 01 was all set for landing, but just three minutes later, things started spiraling out of control.
### A Turbulent Situation Just 150 Meters Above Ground
As alarms blared in the cockpit about “bird activity,” chaos ensued. By 8:58, the pilots spotted a flock below the aircraft, prompting an aborted landing and a go-around maneuver. The consequences were dire: flames and smoke from the right engine, abnormal vibrations in both engines, and an intense situation unfolding just 150 meters above the ground.
In a matter of seconds, the left engine was shut down, the black boxes went dark, and a distress call was made due to the bird strike. With damaged engines, failed electronics, and no time to deploy landing gear, the aircraft attempted a risky landing on the fuselage, but ultimately overshot the runway and collided with an embankment.
### Rescue Efforts and Lingering Questions
Emergency response teams acted swiftly, but the severity of the crash made rescue operations incredibly challenging. The Ministry of Transport received the accident report, and Muan Airport ceased operations in the aftermath of the tragic event. The investigation continues, shedding light on the aircraft’s capabilities and vulnerabilities in extreme scenarios.
While South Korean authorities have ramped up bird surveillance near airports, concerns linger about preventing a similar tragedy in the future. The aftermath of this disaster serves as a stark reminder of the fragility and resilience of air travel, prompting a reevaluation of safety measures in the aviation industry.
