Tue Dec 31 06:10:00 UTC 2024: **South Korea Mourns After Deadly Plane Crash Kills 179**
MUAN, South Korea (AP) — A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed and burned at Muan International Airport on Sunday, December 29, 2024, killing 179 of the 181 people on board. The plane, arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, apparently failed to deploy its landing gear, skidding off the runway and into a concrete barrier before exploding in a massive fire.
Two crew members survived, suffering injuries, but the remaining passengers perished in the devastating crash, which is one of South Korea’s worst aviation disasters. The aircraft was almost entirely destroyed, with only the tail section remaining recognizable.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities exploring possibilities including a bird strike and potential weather-related factors. Investigators have recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders. Preliminary analyses suggest a possible hydraulic failure that prevented the deployment of flaps and slats, crucial for slowing the aircraft during landing. Aviation experts have also noted that the plane may have lacked sufficient braking power after landing, contributing to the accident.
The CEO of Jeju Air, Kim E-bae, issued a public apology, expressing full responsibility and stating that the company had found no prior mechanical issues with the aircraft. The South Korean government has declared a week-long national mourning period and designated Muan a special disaster zone. President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed condolences, and international leaders, including Pope Francis and President Biden, offered their sympathies. A memorial has been set up in Muan, where mourners have gathered to pay their respects. The investigation is expected to take several months.
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