Deadly plane Crash in South Korea Kills 179
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A tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea on December 29, 2024, claimed the lives of 179 individuals, marking the country’s deadliest aviation accident. The Jeju Air flight 7C2216, which had originated from Bangkok, Thailand, veered off the runway during landing, resulting in a devastating fire after colliding with a concrete embankment.
Tragically, two crew members, who were situated at the rear of the Boeing 737-800, were the sole survivors. One of them remained in critical condition while the other was receiving treatment for injuries.
Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident, raiding the offices of Jeju Air, the airport operator, and the transportation ministry’s aviation authority. Key witnesses,including the airline’s chief executive,Kim E-bae,have been barred from leaving the country.
Focus on Runway Embankment
Aviation safety experts have raised concerns about the potential role of a concrete embankment supporting the airport’s localizer antenna, a critical navigational aid used for landings. The embankment’s proximity to the runway’s end and its rigid construction have been highlighted as factors perhaps contributing to the crash’s severity.
“This rigid structure proved catastrophic when the skidding aircraft made impact,” stated Najmedin Meshkati,an engineering professor at the University of Southern California,emphasizing his concern that the navigation antenna was mounted on “such a formidable concrete structure,rather than the standard metal tower/pylon installation.”
The South Korean Transport Ministry has pledged to conduct a thorough review of localizer equipment installations at airports nationwide.
A joint investigation involving South Korean officials and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is currently underway to determine the precise cause of the Jeju Air tragedy.
Boeing 737-800 Under Scrutiny Following Tragic Crash in South Korea
A devastating crash involving a Boeing 737-800 in South Korea has sparked a comprehensive investigation into the incident and raised concerns about the safety of the aircraft model. On December 30, 2024, Flight 7C2216 tragically crashed while attempting to land, leading to the loss of all passengers and crew. The incident immediately triggered a multiagency probe, involving the South Korean government, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and boeing. While the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, mysteries remain. Investigators are focused on understanding why the landing gear did not deploy and the sequence of events leading up to the pilot’s decision to initiate a second landing attempt after reporting a bird strike and declaring an emergency. The aircraft’s flight data recorder, although damaged, has been transported to the united States for meticulous analysis in collaboration with the NTSB. The cockpit voice recorder’s audio files, crucial to the investigation, may not be released publicly due to their importance in piecing together the sequence of events leading to the tragedy. Acting President Choi Sang-mok emphasized the importance of thorough inspections for all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated within South korea. “As there’s great public concern about the same aircraft model involved in the accident, the transport ministry and relevant organizations must conduct a thorough inspection of operation, maintenance, education, and training,” Choi stated. “immediate action must be taken if a special inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated in the country finds any issues,” Choi added.## Exclusive interview: Investigating the Deadly Muan International Airport Crash
**archyde:** Joining us today is Najmedin Meshkati, a renowned Professor of Engineering at the University of Southern California, who has expertise in aviation safety and accident investigation.
Welcome to the show, Professor Meshkati.
**Professor Meshkati:** Thank you for having me.This is a truly disheartening
event, and I’m here to offer my insights based on the information available.
**Archyde:**
Let’s discuss the tragic Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport. What are your initial observations concerning the role of the concrete embankment supporting the localizer antenna in the severity of the accident?
**Professor Meshkati:** Based on early reports and images of the wreckage, the proximity of this rigid concrete structure to the runway’s end appears to be a important contributing factor. When an aircraft skids off the runway, as appears to have been the case here,
absorbing the impact is crucial. A rigid concrete structure offers almost no
give, leading to a catastrophic collision.
In contrast, standard practice utilizes metal tower/pylon installations for navigational aids.These are designed to be more flexible and absorb some of the impact energy, minimizing damage to the aircraft.
**Archyde:** You mentioned the “standard practice” of using metal towers. Do you believe this installation of a concrete
embankment reflects a lapse in safety protocols at Muan International Airport?
**Professor Meshkati:** It’s too early to definitively
conclude that. A thorough investigation is required to determine
whether current aviation regulations were met. Though, this incident certainly raises critically important questions about the materials used in critical infrastructure near runways and their potential
impact during accidents.
**Archyde:** While investigations are ongoing,the sheer impact force due to the
rigid embankment sparked considerable concerns. What specific safety recommendations would you propose based on
your initial analysis?
**Professor Meshkati:** Several immediate measures should be assessed. First, a comprehensive review of all
critical infrastructure near runways at muan International Airport is essential. Existing installations should be evaluated for their risk potential, with adjustments made where necessary.Global best practices for runway safety infrastructure, especially regarding impact
absorption, should be rigorously analyzed and implemented.
Secondly, a detailed study should examine the factors leading to the runway overshoot.
Was ther pilot error? Did weather conditions play
a part? Understanding the root cause is crucial to prevent future tragedies.
**Archyde:** Addressing the human factors involved, do you believe the actions of the pilots should come under scrutiny? Could pilot training protocols need revision
in response to this incident?
**Professor Meshkati:** Absolutely.every accident is a complex interplay of
multiple factors. Pilot performance, training, and fatigue all merit
thorough investigation. this specific incident, with a runway
overshoot followed by a collision with a rigid object, suggests the
possibility of issues with procedural training given the precarious situation the aircraft found itself in.
**Archyde:** As we await the official investigation findings, it’s clear this
tragedy highlights the precarious balance between airport infrastructure
and flight safety.
Professor Meshkati, thank you for sharing your invaluable insights with
our audience today.
**Professor Meshkati: ** thank you for having me. My thoughts are with
the victims and their families during this difficult time.
**Archyde:** We here at Archyde extend our deepest condolences to all those
affected by the Jeju Air crash. we will continue to follow this story
closely as more information becomes available.
