Tragic Jeju Air Crash in Muan, South Korea: 179 Lives Lost, Bird Strike Suspected, one passenger’s final message via KakaoTalk

On a fateful Sunday, tragedy struck at Muan International Airport in South Korea when a Jeju Air flight from Bangkok failed to land safely, resulting in the loss of 179 lives in what is now the worst aviation disaster in South Korea’s history. The incident, reportedly caused by a bird strike, has left the nation grieving as authorities and families work to uncover more details about the catastrophic crash.

Heartbreaking Last Messages from the Plane

As families gathered at the airport awaiting news, one passenger’s final message via KakaoTalk provided chilling insight into the moments leading up to the crash:

• Message: “A bird struck the wing and we can’t land. Should I say my last words?”
• Timeline: The message was sent moments before the plane skidded off the runway and burst into flames after colliding with a concrete barrier.

These final words reflect the terror and helplessness experienced by those onboard.

Details of the Crash

The Aircraft and the Incident:

• Plane: A 15-year-old Boeing 737-800, manufactured in 2009.
• Location: Muan International Airport, South Korea.
• Cause: A bird strike is suspected of causing the front landing gear to fail, leading to the plane veering off the runway and hitting a concrete fence.
• Outcome: The aircraft was almost completely destroyed, with only the tail section retaining some recognizable shape.

Casualties:

• Deaths: 179 out of 181 people onboard.
• Survivors: Two flight attendants were rescued from the wreckage, conscious but severely injured.
• Identifications: 65 victims have been identified so far, with DNA retrieval underway for others.

Emergency Response

• Personnel and Equipment:
  • 1,560 responders, including firefighters, police, and military personnel.
  • 32 fire engines and multiple helicopters were deployed.
• Efforts: Officials are transitioning from rescue operations to recovery due to the magnitude of the devastation.

Witness Accounts:

Footage from South Korean television showed the plane sliding at high speed with retracted landing gear, crashing into the wall, and erupting in flames. Muan Fire Chief Lee Jung-hyun described the aftermath as:
“Only the tail part retains a little bit of shape, and the rest of the plane is almost impossible to recognize.”

Initial Investigations and Pilot Actions

Pilot and Control Tower Interaction:

• The control tower reportedly warned of potential bird strikes and granted permission for an alternative landing area.
• The pilot sent a distress signal moments before the crash.

Black Box Retrieval:

• The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been retrieved to aid the investigation.

Responses and Condolences

From Authorities:

• Jeju Air’s President Kim E-bae apologized, expressing responsibility and awaiting investigation results.
• South Korea’s transport ministry has initiated a thorough probe into the disaster.

International Reaction:

• Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra offered condolences and directed immediate assistance, as two Thai nationals were among the passengers.
• Boeing’s Statement:
  “We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.”

The Path Forward

As South Korea mourns this devastating tragedy, efforts are focused on identifying victims, supporting families, and uncovering the exact cause of the crash. This incident underscores the importance of stringent aviation safety measures and raises questions about bird strike mitigation and emergency protocols.

The world watches in solidarity as the investigation unfolds, hoping for answers and improvements to prevent future tragedies.