Deadly Crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216: Final Moments Revealed
As rescue efforts continue, the thoughts of the nation remain with the victims and their families.
Muan: A tragic air disaster struck on Sunday when Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, a passenger jet en route to Muan International Airport, crashed during its landing attempt, claiming the lives of 179 people. The incident marks South Korea’s deadliest air crash in recent history.
The timeline of the final moments of Flight 7C2216, as provided by South Korea’s transport ministry and fire authorities, outlines the series of events leading up to the fatal crash.
At 8:54 a.m. Korea Standard Time (KST), the aircraft was authorized to land on Runway 01 of Muan International Airport. Just a few minutes later, at 8:57 a.m., air traffic control issued a “caution – bird activity” advisory. At 8:59 a.m., the pilot of Flight 7C2216 reported a bird strike and declared an emergency, sending out a Mayday call and requesting a go-around. The pilot then sought approval to land on Runway 19, located on the opposite end of the airport’s single runway, which was granted at 9:01 a.m.
Flight 7C2216 attempted a second landing but made contact with the runway at 9:02 a.m., approximately 1,200 meters into the 2,800-meter runway. Within seconds, the airport’s fire rescue unit was alerted, and emergency equipment was deployed. Despite efforts to regain control, the aircraft over-shot the runway and crashed into an embankment at 9:03 a.m., tragically ending the lives of most on board.
Rescue operations began immediately, with the first survivor being rescued and transported to a temporary medical facility by 9:23 a.m. A second person was rescued from the tail section of the wreckage by 9:50 a.m.
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By 9:38 a.m., Muan Airport was closed, and authorities initiated an investigation into the causes of the crash. At 9:10 a.m., the Transport Ministry received the initial accident report from the airport authorities.
The authorities have confirmed that the crash resulted in the highest number of fatalities in South Korean aviation history, and the investigation is ongoing. The tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in air travel and the urgent need for continuous safety measures in the aviation industry.
As rescue efforts continue, the thoughts of the nation remain with the victims and their families.
