Causes and effects of the Jeju Air crash at Muan Airport: 179 casualties, 2 miraculous survivors

On December 29, 2024, a Jeju Air passenger plane exploded during landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea, killing 179 people and leaving only two survivors. We will provide a detailed account of the entire accident, including survivor testimonies, analysis of the cause of the accident, whether there were any Japanese passengers, related footage, and the government's response.

1. Overview and background of the accident

At around 9:00 a.m. on December 29, 2024, a Jeju Air Boeing 737 passenger plane heading from Bangkok, Thailand to Muan International Airport in South Korea skidded off the runway during landing, collided with the airport's outer wall and exploded. Of the 181 passengers and crew on board, 179 were killed, and two crew members were miraculously rescued.

At the time of the accident, the aircraft was approaching the runway at high speed with its landing gear malfunctioning, causing the wheels to collapse, and eventually losing control. One of the possible causes of the accident is a bird strike during flight, which may have led to engine failure.

2. Survivor testimonies and the rescue process

∘ Survivor 1: 33-year-old male flight attendant

A 33-year-old male flight attendant who was sitting in the back seat survived, suffering a relatively minor impact when the rear of the aircraft detached during the impact. He was taken to a hospital where he was diagnosed with thoracic vertebrae and rib fractures, as well as head trauma, but his injuries are not life-threatening. He has lost his memory since the accident and said, "I don't know why I'm here."

∘ Survivor 2: 25-year-old female flight attendant

The other survivor, a 25-year-old female flight attendant, was rescued from the back seat of the aircraft. She sustained injuries to her ankle and head, but her injuries are not life-threatening. She is currently undergoing psychological treatment to help her recover from the trauma.

The rescue process

Immediately after the accident, more than 30 fire engines and approximately 1,500 rescuers were mobilized. In particular, the two survivors were able to be rescued because they avoided the direct impact due to the separation of the rear of the aircraft. Thanks to the prompt treatment by the medical team, they are in a stable condition.

3. Cause of the accident and expert analysis

∘ Effects of bird strikes

The area around Muan Airport is on a migratory bird flight route, and it is believed that the main cause of the engine failure was a bird striking the right engine, which may have caused the landing gear and flaps (lift control devices) to not function properly.

∘ Landing gear and flap failure

The plane was approaching the runway with no flaps or wheels in place when the accident occurred, and experts say a fault in the hydraulic or electrical systems was likely the cause.

∘ Aging of aircraft and maintenance status

The plane involved was a Boeing 737 that had been in operation for more than 15 years, and investigations are ongoing into the possibility that poor maintenance may have caused the accident. Jeju Air claims that regular inspections were carried out properly, but further investigation is needed.

4. Accident footage and witness testimony

∘ Video of the accident

Reuters and other media outlets released footage of the crash, which shows the plane taking off at high speed down the runway without lowering its landing gear, eventually crashing into the airport's outer wall and exploding. Large plumes of black smoke can also be seen rising from the sky.

∘ Eyewitness testimony

According to a witness, "After the plane approached the runway, a loud explosion was heard and black smoke rose." Another witness testified that "sparks were seen from one wing." Fear and confusion spread in the vicinity of the scene.

5. Are there any Japanese passengers?

An investigation by the Japanese Embassy confirmed that there were no Japanese passengers on board the aircraft. The Japanese government, in cooperation with the South Korean government, is closely monitoring the situation and has expressed its condolences to the victims and their families.

6. Government and Jeju Air Response

∘ Jeju Air's official apology and response

Jeju Air has offered its deepest apologies for the accident and said it will do its utmost to provide support to the victims and their families, as well as to thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident. It has been working with government agencies since immediately after the accident.

∘ Designation of special disaster areas

The South Korean government has designated the Muan area a special disaster zone and has allocated emergency funds to assist with recovery efforts, as well as providing psychological counseling and support programs for victims and their families.

7. International response and support to the accident

∘ Condolences and support from the international community

Countries including Japan, Thailand and the United States have expressed condolences for the accident and pledged to assist the victims and cooperate in the investigation into the cause of the accident. The Thai government in particular has pledged to provide support to the families of the victims in its country.

∘ Aviation industry response

Boeing announced that it would work with Jeju Air to investigate the cause of the accident and provide technical support. It is also believed that this accident is likely to prompt a review of aviation safety standards.

8. Current status and issues of aviation safety

∘ Environmental management around the airport

It has been pointed out that measures against migratory birds around Muan Airport have been insufficient. In the future, ecosystem management and technical measures around the airport must be strengthened to prevent bird strikes.

∘ Aircraft maintenance and inspection system

This accident has highlighted problems with poor aircraft maintenance and inspection systems, and calls for the formulation of new standards to ensure the safety of aging aircraft in particular.

∘ Passenger and crew safety training

This shows that rapid response in an emergency increases the chances of survival. The next step is to strengthen safety education for passengers and crew.

This accident has had a serious impact on the Korean aviation industry, but at the same time, it has become an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of aviation safety. The miraculous rescue story of the survivors has given hope to many people. We hope that a safer aviation environment will be created by learning from this tragedy.

We pray for the repose of the souls of the victims.

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