Tue Dec 31 02:26:13 UTC 2024: ## Jeju Air Crash Kills 179: Airport Design Questioned
**Muan, South Korea** – A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport has claimed the lives of 179 passengers and crew aboard Jeju Air Flight 7C2216. Only two survived the incident, making it South Korea’s deadliest air disaster ever. The Boeing 737-800, arriving from an overnight flight, belly-landed with its flaps and landing gear retracted before colliding with a concrete wall and dirt mound situated beyond the runway’s end.
Aviation experts are raising serious questions about the airport’s design, specifically the placement of the barrier. The impact with the unforgiving wall, according to aviation safety consultant John Cox, likely caused fatal blunt force trauma to most victims. The lack of a frangible barrier, unlike the engineered material arresting systems (EMAS) found at airports like LaGuardia, is a key focus of the ongoing investigation. EMAS are designed to safely decelerate overshooting aircraft.
While a bird strike is suspected as a possible contributing factor to engine failure, investigators are examining numerous aspects, including maintenance records, pilot scheduling, and cockpit voice recorders. The investigation, expected to take months, will determine the exact cause of the crash.
Todd Curtis, founder of Air Safe Media, highlighted the challenges presented by the fixed barrier in safely stopping the aircraft. The incident underscores the importance of runway safety features and the role of airport design in mitigating the potential consequences of aircraft accidents.
First Piper 