The South Korean government has announced urgent inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft following the Jeju Air crash at Muan Airport on December 29.
The accident claimed 179 of the 181 lives onboard, making it the deadliest air disaster in the country’s history. Preliminary findings indicate a landing gear failure caused by a bird strike.
The aircraft attempted to circle before landing but crash-landed on its fuselage, veered off the runway, and collided with a building, causing an explosion. Two crew members survived and are currently hospitalized.
In South Korea, 737-800s are primarily used by low-cost carriers such as Jeju Air, T’way Air, and Jin Air, which operate a total of 101 such planes. Today, another Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 was forced to return shortly after takeoff due to repeated landing gear issues. Aviation authorities have pledged full transparency in the ongoing investigation.
