South Korean authorities have recovered the cockpit voice and flight data recorders from the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 that crashed during a gear-up landing at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024. The Jeju Air 7C2216 crash claimed the lives of 179 out of 181 people aboard the aircraft, according to Yonhap news agency.
Flight 7C2216, operating an overnight service from Bangkok to Muan, attempted to land at 9:03 a.m. but failed to deploy its landing gear. The plane, identified as HL8088, veered off the runway and collided with a wall, erupting into flames. Two crew members were rescued with injuries, while all other passengers and crew perished in the Jeju Air 7C2216 crash.
Firefighters discovered the two surviving crew members in the tail section of the aircraft, the only part of the plane that remained partially intact. Authorities extinguished the fire soon after, and recovery operations began immediately.
Investigation Underway
Preliminary investigations suggest a bird strike as a possible cause of the crash. Footage captured before the incident showed damage to the right-side CFM56 engine at 8:54 a.m., allegedly caused by a bird as the plane approached runway 1. In response, the crew circled back to land on runway 19.
The aircraft declared a mayday at 8:59 a.m., and minutes later attempted a high-speed landing without deploying flaps or spoilers. The violent impact led to the aircraft’s destruction, making it one of South Korea’s deadliest aviation disasters in decades, known as the Jeju Air 7C2216 crash.
The retrieval of the cockpit voice and flight data recorders is expected to provide critical insights into the final moments of the flight. Investigators will analyze these records to confirm the cause of the accident and assess whether mechanical failure or human error played a role in the Jeju Air 7C2216 crash.
South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has ordered a comprehensive review of the country’s airline operations following the accident. Authorities are also focusing on improving safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
A Devastating Loss
The Jeju Air disaster has left families grieving the loss of their loved ones. The transportation ministry confirmed that the aircraft’s two survivors, both crew members, are being treated for their injuries. As investigations continue, the government and airline representatives have vowed to uncover the truth behind the crash and ensure accountability.
The Boeing 737-800, manufactured in 2009, had been a key part of Jeju Air’s fleet. The airline expressed its condolences and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation of the Jeju Air 7C2216 crash.
