A devastating aviation disaster struck South Korea on December 29, 2024, when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crash-landed at Muan International Airport, claiming 179 lives. The jet, carrying 181 people, slid on its belly before bursting into flames. Only two crew members survived, making it the deadliest aviation incident in South Korea since 1997. Authorities and experts are scrambling to determine what went wrong.

The flight, originating from Bangkok, faced catastrophe upon landing at the southwestern airport. Footage revealed the plane careening down the runway without its landing gear deployed, crashing into an embankment before erupting in flames. Firefighters battled the blazing wreckage as debris littered the area. Victims included 175 South Koreans and two Thai nationals, with the survivors—a male and female crew member—miraculously pulled from the wreckage.

Initial investigations suggest a potential failure in the undercarriage system. Experts speculate that the landing gear may not have fully deployed, though reasons for this malfunction remain unclear. Speculations of a bird strike or technical failure have been floated by officials, though aviation analysts stress the importance of avoiding premature conclusions. Investigators have recovered the black box data recorder, while efforts continue to retrieve the cockpit voice recorder for further insights.

The broader implications of the crash add to the tragedy’s complexity. The Boeing 737-800 model, known for its reliability, has been in service for decades with a strong safety record. Jeju Air’s CEO emphasized that the aircraft had shown no prior issues. The accident has raised questions about maintenance protocols and operational decisions, particularly given the clear weather and good flying conditions at the time.

South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has declared the crash site a special disaster zone. Over 700 personnel, including police, military, and coast guard members, are engaged in recovery and investigative efforts. Choi extended condolences to the victims’ families and pledged a thorough investigation to prevent future tragedies. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, also expressed its condolences and offered support.

As South Korea mourns this tragedy, investigators face the critical task of uncovering the causes behind the crash. The incident highlights the fragility of air travel safety and underscores the importance of meticulous maintenance and rigorous oversight in aviation operations.