A Jeju Air passenger plane crashed at Muan airport in South Korea on Sunday, killing 179 of the 181 people on board. The Boeing 737-800, arriving from Bangkok, skidded off the runway at 9:03 a.m., struck a concrete fence, and burst into flames.
The Transport Ministry confirmed the aircraft’s front landing gear failed to deploy. Footage showed the plane overrunning the runway and colliding with a wall, triggering a massive explosion. Only the tail assembly remained intact.
Lee Jeong-hyeon, Muan’s fire chief, said, “Workers are investigating various possibilities, including a bird strike.” A bird strike warning was issued moments before landing, and the pilot sent a distress signal before losing control.
The runway is closed until January 1, as officials examine the retrieved black box. Transport Ministry official Joo Jong-wan noted the investigation could take months.
Jeju Air President Kim E-bae apologized, saying, “We feel full responsibility.” Boeing offered support, extending condolences.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed sorrow, directing immediate assistance. South Korea declared a weeklong mourning period and designated Muan a disaster zone.
This tragedy marks South Korea’s deadliest aviation incident since 1997, when a Korean Air crash in Guam killed 228.