Wazzup Pilipinas!?
On December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea, resulting in 179 fatalities out of 181 passengers and crew.
Flight Details and Crash Sequence
The flight originated from Bangkok, Thailand, and was on its final approach to Muan International Airport when it encountered difficulties. At 8:59 a.m., the pilots issued a "mayday" call, reporting a bird strike and indicating plans to attempt a landing from the opposite direction. Tragically, at 9:03 a.m., the aircraft crash-landed on its belly, skidded off the runway, collided with a concrete fence, and burst into flames.
Investigation and Preliminary Findings
Investigators have retrieved the cockpit voice recorder, while the flight data recorder, damaged in the crash, is being sent to the United States for analysis. Initial reports suggest that a bird strike may have led to mechanical issues, including problems with the landing gear and engines. However, aviation experts caution against drawing premature conclusions, indicating that multiple factors could have contributed to the disaster.
Victims and National Mourning
Among the 179 victims, the majority were South Korean nationals, with two Thai citizens also among the deceased. The only survivors are two flight attendants who are currently receiving medical treatment. The South Korean government has declared a seven-day mourning period, during which traditional New Year's celebrations have been subdued or canceled. Memorial altars have been set up nationwide, and citizens have participated in moments of silence to honor the victims.
Impact on Aviation and Public Response
In the wake of the crash, there has been a significant increase in flight cancellations with Jeju Air, with tens of thousands of reservations being called off. The airline has announced a reduction in flights for the winter season to conduct maintenance work. South Korean authorities have ordered inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by domestic airlines to ensure safety and prevent future incidents.
Ongoing Investigation
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, with both South Korean and U.S. aviation agencies involved. Authorities are analyzing flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and other evidence to determine the sequence of events leading to the disaster. The damaged flight data recorder has been sent to the United States for further analysis, as local extraction was not possible.
The Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 disaster stands as South Korea's deadliest aviation accident in recent history, prompting nationwide grief and a reevaluation of aviation safety protocols. As investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering the factors that led to this tragedy to prevent future occurrences.
We're there Filipinos among the victims?
According to the Philippine Embassy in Thailand, there were no Filipino nationals among the passengers or crew of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, which tragically crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea on December 29, 2024.
The flight, originating from Bangkok, Thailand, was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members. Among the passengers, 173 were South Korean nationals, and two were Thai nationals. The crash resulted in 179 fatalities, with only two survivors, both flight attendants.
The Philippine Embassy has expressed condolences to the victims and their families and continues to monitor the situation closely.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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