Incident Summary
On December 29, 2024, Jeju Air flight 7C-2216, a Boeing 737-800 (registration HL8088) operating from Bangkok, Thailand, to Muan, South Korea, crashed following a gear-up landing and runway overrun at Muan International Airport. The aircraft skidded on its fuselage and engines, striking a concrete embankment beyond the runway and erupting into flames.
Of the 175 passengers and 6 crew members on board, 2 survivors were rescued, with 120 fatalities confirmed. The remaining occupants are presumed deceased.
Timeline of Events
1. 08:54L: Air traffic control cleared the flight to land on runway 01.
2. 08:57L: Bird activity warning issued by air traffic control.
3. 08:58L: The crew reported a bird strike and declared a “Mayday,” initiating a go-around.
4. 09:00L: The crew requested and received clearance to land on runway 19.
5. 09:02L: The aircraft touched down approximately 1,200m (3,940 feet) down the 2,800m (9,184 feet) runway with landing gear up.
6. 09:03L: The aircraft overran the runway, struck a concrete embankment, and burst into flames.
Key Findings
1. Bird Strike and Landing Gear Malfunction:
• A bird strike during final approach to runway 01 caused significant damage to the aircraft, including a reported failure of the landing gear system.
• Witnesses observed flames from the right engine and heard multiple popping sounds, suggesting bird ingestion into the engine.
2. Decision to Attempt a Gear-Up Landing:
• After the gear malfunction, the crew decided to proceed with a landing on runway 19 despite adverse weather conditions.
• The aircraft landed with the landing gear retracted, leading to significant damage and loss of control.
3. Runway Overrun:
• The aircraft overran the runway by approximately 300 meters (1,000 feet) and collided with a concrete embankment supporting the localizer antenna.
• The concrete structure significantly contributed to the severity of the crash.
4. Recording Failures:
• The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) ceased recording four minutes before the crash, complicating the investigation.
• The CVR and FDR have been sent to the NTSB for further analysis.
5. Bird Strike Risk:
• The airport’s proximity to wetlands and seashores makes it prone to bird activity, particularly during winter months.
• Muan Airport employs both lethal and non-lethal bird control measures, but these were insufficient to prevent this incident.
Rescue Efforts
• Two survivors, both members of the cabin crew, were rescued from the tail section of the aircraft.
• Emergency services responded promptly, deploying fire rescue equipment within minutes of the crash.
• The airport was closed following the incident, with rescue and recovery operations lasting several hours.
Recommendations and Actions
1. Airport Safety Improvements:
• Removal or redesign of hazardous structures, such as concrete embankments near runways.
• Enhanced bird control measures, including radar detection systems and improved habitat management around the airport.
2. Flight Crew Training:
• Comprehensive training on handling gear failures and emergency landings in adverse conditions.
• Emphasis on evaluating the risks associated with landing versus diverting in such scenarios.
3. Aircraft Systems and Maintenance:
• Enhanced inspection and maintenance of landing gear systems, particularly for vulnerabilities following bird strikes.
• Development of more robust recording systems to ensure critical data is preserved in emergencies.
4. Regulatory Oversight:
• Mandatory inspections and removal of potentially hazardous runway end structures at all South Korean airports.
• Increased emphasis on wildlife hazard management programs at airports with known bird activity.
Preliminary Conclusions
The incident resulted from a combination of environmental, mechanical, and operational factors:
• Bird Strike: Triggered the landing gear malfunction and engine damage.
• Operational Decision: The decision to land gear-up on a wet runway contributed to the severity of the accident.
• Runway Safety: The concrete embankment exacerbated the crash’s impact and fatality rate.
Disclaimer
This report is based on preliminary findings as of January 13, 2025. Updates will follow as the investigation progresses. For any concerns or corrections, contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
