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Air traffic controllers warned pilots on a plane that crashed at an airport in South Korea, killing 179 passengers and crew, of a possible bird strike moments before it came down.
Authorities have confirmed that all 175 passengers, as well as four of the six crew, were killed in the incident at Muan international airport on Sunday morning. The only two survivors were crew sitting at the back of the plane at the time of the crash.
It is the deadliest plane crash on South Korean soil in its history.
Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok announced a seven-day period of national mourning, starting Sunday, and lasting until midnight on Saturday.
The Jeju Air flight erupted in flames after veering off the runway and crashing into a wall. Footage showed the horrifying moment the packed plane burst into flames.
The transport ministry has confirmed that air traffic controllers warned the pilots of the ill-fated flight about a bird strike risk just three minutes before the plane landed. The pilot then declared a mayday one minute later before trying to land the plane.
But experts have expressed scepticism that a collision with a bird could cause such damage. An investigation is now taking place into the disaster with the black box to the plane being recovered.
Jabed Ahmed30 December 2024 00:31
The plane crash contained “several contradictions”, an aviation expert has said.
Captain Mike Vivian, former head of flight operations at the Civil Aviation Authority, told Sky News: “They [Boeing 737] are very stable, solid aircraft. They have a long pedigree.
“The pilots can cope with emergencies individually. Multiple emergencies coming together are difficult and they’re particularly difficult in the landing phase.”
The brick wall it struck was “not necessarily” exempt from international laws, but given that it caused the plane to explode, it is “another matter” if it was too strong, he added.
“It is a puzzling accident this – there are several contradictions.”
Flames reportedly seen from one of the engines could be consistent with the ingestion of a bird, but that wouldn’t necessarily stop the engine altogether, Captain Vivian added.
Jabed Ahmed29 December 2024 23:59
A Jeju Air passenger jet that departed Gimpo Airport in Seoul for Jeju on Monday experienced an unidentified landing-gear issue after takeoff and returned to Gimpo where it landed safely, Yonhap news reported, citing an unnamed source.
Jabed Ahmed29 December 2024 23:43
Jabed Ahmed29 December 2024 23:30
Jabed Ahmed29 December 2024 23:01
Read the full report on today’s events:
Jabed Ahmed29 December 2024 22:01
The Jeju Air flight from Bangkok crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport in southwestern South Korea on Sunday morning. Footage showed the Boeing 737-800 “belly landing” without landing gear and sliding at high speed along the runway before hitting the wall.
Satellite maps show the concrete structure has stood at the southern end of the runway close to the perimeter fence for many years.
It holds the instrument landing system which helps pilots land at night or when visibility is poor.
At most airports, these systems are placed on collapsible structures.
The brick wall it struck was not necessarily exempt from international laws, but given that it caused the plane to explode, it may have been too strong.
If the plane had not struck the wall it would have hit through a perimeter fence, travelled over a road and likely stopped in an adjacent field.
The country’s deputy transport minister Joo Jong-wan said the runway’s 2,800m length was not a contributing factor in the crash – and maintained that walls at the ends were built to industry standards.
Jabed Ahmed29 December 2024 21:33
Jabed Ahmed29 December 2024 21:29
US President Joe Biden has said the United States is prepared to provide any necessary assistance to South Korea after a deadly plane crash in Muan.
“As close allies, the American people share deep bonds of friendship with the South Korean people and our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragedy,” Biden said in a statement. “The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance.”
Jabed Ahmed29 December 2024 20:59
A 33-year-old flight attendant from the Jeju Air plane told doctors he had already been rescued when he woke up, according to news agency Yonhap.
He was first taken to a hospital in Mokpo, about 25km (15.5 miles) south of the airport, but was later transferred to Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital in the capital.
“He’s fully able to communicate,” Mr Ju said. “There’s no indication yet of memory loss or such.”
Lee was sitting in the back of the plane and remembers touching down, but nothing after that. When he arrived at the hospital, he simply asked: “What happened?”
The survivor, who suffered multiple fractures, is receiving special care due to the risk of after-effects, including total paralysis, the news agency added.
Jabed Ahmed29 December 2024 20:28