What Caused The Deadly Jeju Air Crash In South Korea?

A tragic plane crash shook South Korea on Sunday morning, leaving the nation heartbroken. Out of 181 people on board a Jeju Air flight, only two survived when the plane crashed while landing at Muan International Airport. The flight, 7C2216, had been traveling from Bangkok with 175 passengers and six crew members.  

(Photo Credit: Reuters) What Caused The Deadly Jeju Air Crash In South Korea?

Read More: Devastating Plane Crash In South Korea: 179 Feared Dead, 2 Survivors Found

The crash happened around 9 a.m. local time, and the scene was devastating. A video shared by local media showed the twin-engine plane skidding down the runway without its landing gear. Moments later, it slammed into a wall and burst into flames.  

At the crash site, smoke and fire engulfed much of the plane. Despite the tragic loss of life, two passengers—a man and a woman—miraculously survived and are now receiving medical care.  

Swift Emergency Response

South Korea’s National Fire Agency quickly stepped in, sending 32 fire trucks and several helicopters to put out the fire. In response to the crash, all flights at Muan International Airport were temporarily suspended.  

The passengers included two Thai nationals, while the rest were believed to be South Korean citizens, according to the transportation ministry.  

What Caused the Plane Crash?  

Let’s dive into what might have caused this unfortunate accident. According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, authorities believe a problem with the plane’s landing gear could be the main reason behind the crash.  

Airport officials shared that the flight was trying to make a crash landing because its landing gear wasn’t working properly. Earlier, it had already failed in its first attempt to land.  

But here’s what’s even more concerning—they said the plane couldn’t slow down in time. It sped all the way to the end of the runway and slammed into the airport’s outer wall. That’s when it turned into a massive fireball.  

There’s another angle to consider too. The local fire chief, Lee Jeong-hyun, shared a different theory. He mentioned that a bird strike, mixed with bad weather, might have caused the crash.  

"The cause of the accident is presumed to be a bird strike combined with adverse weather conditions. However, the exact cause will be announced following a joint investigation," Lee Jeong-hyun, chief of Muan fire station, said during a briefing, according to Reuters. But, as he pointed out, we’ll have to wait for an official investigation to know the exact reason.  

For now, investigators are working hard to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident. Stay tuned for more updates!

A Grim Reminder

This heartbreaking accident comes just days after another plane crash. Last week, an Azerbaijan Airlines flight went down near Kazakhstan, claiming 38 lives and leaving many injured.  

The news has left many mourning the loss of loved ones while reminding us all of the unpredictability of life. The investigation will hopefully bring answers and help prevent such tragedies in the future.