The Jeju Air Plane Involved in the Accident at Muan Airport, Turns Out to Be Frequently Used by Several Airlines

Kapanlagi.com - The aviation world was once again shocked by a tragic incident. On Sunday morning, December 29, 2024, a Jeju Air flight with flight number 7C 2216 experienced an accident at Muan International Airport, South Korea. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which was supposed to carry 175 passengers and six cabin crew from Bangkok to Muan, had an unexpected landing.

In the initial report, the aircraft was reported to have gone off the runway and crashed into the airport fence. This incident resulted in two crew members suffering serious injuries, while three others are still missing, adding tension and concern among families and authorities. More astonishingly, the weather at the time was very clear, which should have supported a safe landing.

The Boeing 737-800 is known as one of the most reliable and popular aircraft worldwide, making this incident raise many questions regarding its cause. With a good safety record, many hope that an investigation will be conducted promptly to uncover the mystery behind this accident.

1. Chronology of the Accident at Muan Airport

Flight 7C 2216 belonging to Jeju Air, which took off from Bangkok on Saturday night heading to Muan International Airport, experienced a shocking incident while approaching landing on Sunday morning.

With 181 passengers on board, the aircraft encountered issues with its landing gear and inevitably crashed into the airport fence, causing severe damage to the underside of the plane. As investigators sought to uncover whether the landing gear was functioning properly or if other factors were at play, rescue teams were quickly deployed.

In this emergency situation, two crew members were successfully evacuated in critical condition, while three others remain missing. Search operations continue with hopes of finding those who are lost.

2. Profile and Track Record of Jeju Air

Jeju Air, a leading low-cost airline in South Korea established in 2005, currently operates 43 aircraft and serves over 12 million passengers on domestic and international routes in 2023.

Led by CEO Kim Yi-bae, Jeju Air prioritizes safety as the top concern in every flight.

With a fleet that includes Boeing 737-800, which was recently involved in the incident in Muan, the airline remains widely recognized for its efficient service and dedication to maintaining high flight safety standards.

3. Boeing 737-800 Specifications

The Boeing 737-800, the latest generation aircraft that combines fuel efficiency with impressive range, has become a star in the aviation world with a maximum capacity of 189 passengers, ideal for short to medium-haul routes.

Known for its advanced technology, such as vertical situation displays and satellite-based navigation systems, this aircraft is designed to enhance flight safety.

Geoffrey Thomas, editor of Airline News, even referred to it as the "most reliable aircraft in the world." However, despite having an almost perfect safety record, the incident in Muan reminds us that no system is truly without risk.

4. Suspected Causes and Investigation

The cause of this shocking accident is still under investigation, but initial suspicions suggest there may have been issues with the aircraft's landing gear.

Mary Schiavo, former Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Transportation, revealed that damage to the landing gear indicator could be a key factor behind this tragic incident.

On the other hand, Boeing, the aircraft manufacturing giant, has expressed its commitment to provide full support in the ongoing investigation process.

5. Response and Next Steps

This shocking incident has sparked a heated debate within the aviation industry about the importance of strict safety standards. Jeju Air did not remain idle; they quickly formed a special team to address the impact of the incident, including providing support to the affected victims' families.

Meanwhile, the South Korean government moved swiftly to establish an independent investigation team to ensure that no elements of negligence were involved.

Experts are also calling for a reevaluation of aircraft maintenance procedures, even though Jeju Air is known for its high safety reputation. All these measures are expected to serve as a bulwark against the recurrence of similar incidents in the future.

6. What caused the Jeju Air accident in Muan?

Although the exact cause is still under investigation, initial suspicions suggest that damage to the aircraft's landing gear is a primary focus in this case.

7. Is the Boeing 737-800 safe to use?

The Boeing 737-800 has built a solid reputation with an impressive safety record, making it a favorite choice among airlines worldwide.

8. What is the maximum capacity of the Boeing 737-800?

This aircraft is designed to accommodate up to 189 passengers, offering comfort in two different classes, making every journey feel more special and enjoyable.

9. How did Jeju Air respond to this incident?

Jeju Air has collaborated with the authorities to investigate the incident while providing full support to the victims and affected families.

(kpl/rmt)