Jeju Air Flight 7C-2216 Crash

 

Date of Incident: Sunday, December 29
Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-800
Registration: HL8088
Operator: Jeju Air
Flight Route: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (VTBS), Thailand – Muan International Airport (RKJB), South Korea

 

 

Overview of the Accident

On Sunday, December 29, Jeju Air Flight 7C-2216 experienced a catastrophic crash while attempting to land at Muan International Airport in South Korea. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, overran the runway during an emergency landing and collided with a concrete barrier, resulting in a massive fire. Tragically, the crash claimed the lives of 179 of the 181 people onboard, with only two survivors, both crew members. The incident has raised critical questions about bird strike management, emergency landing procedures, and pilot decision-making during in-flight crises.

 

 

Source: BBC

 

 

Sequence of Events

Departure from Bangkok

Jeju Air Flight 7C-2216 was a seasonal service operated four times weekly between Bangkok, Thailand, and Muan, South Korea. On the day of the accident, the flight was delayed by one hour but eventually departed Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (VTBS) using Runway 02R. The aircraft carried 175 passengers and six crew members.

First Landing Attempt and Bird Strike

Upon arrival in South Korea, the flight crew began their approach to Runway 1 at Muan International Airport. A ground observer reported seeing the aircraft fly through a flock of birds during the approach. Moments later, loud popping sounds were heard from the aircraft’s engines, consistent with a bird strike.

Despite extending the landing gear for the approach, the flight crew opted to abort the landing, declaring a MAYDAY shortly after the strike. This decision was likely influenced by possible engine damage and an inability to safely complete the landing.

 

Aircraft Details

The aircraft involved was a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800, registered as HL8088. It was originally delivered to Ryanair in 2008 and operated by the Irish carrier until 2016. Jeju Air acquired the aircraft in 2017, incorporating it into its fleet for short and medium-haul routes.

Maintenance records for HL8088 indicate that the aircraft had undergone regular inspections and was in compliance with all regulatory standards at the time of the crash.

Preliminary Findings

Bird Strike Warning and Impact

Preliminary reports indicate that air traffic control issued a bird strike warning to the flight crew shortly before their initial approach. However, the effectiveness of this warning and the time available for the crew to take mitigating actions are unclear. Investigators are analyzing whether the bird strike directly affected the engines, landing gear, or other critical systems.

Landing Gear Retraction

The decision to retract the landing gear before the emergency landing has raised questions among aviation experts. Possible explanations include:

• Mechanical Failure: The bird strike may have damaged the landing gear system, preventing deployment.
• Pilot Decision: The crew might have opted for a belly landing to minimize the risk of structural failure or fire during touchdown.
  This aspect of the incident will be a key focus of the ongoing investigation.

Runway Conditions and Overrun

While the runway at Muan International Airport is designed to handle large commercial aircraft, the absence of an Engineered Materials Arrestor System (EMAS) at the end of the overrun area may have contributed to the severity of the crash. EMAS is a safety feature that can help decelerate aircraft during runway overruns, potentially preventing collisions.

Aircraft Speed and ADS-B Signal Loss

The loss of ADS-B data during the aircraft’s final approach has hindered efforts to determine its speed and trajectory at the time of landing. Investigators are working to retrieve flight data from the aircraft’s black boxes to reconstruct the sequence of events.

Impact on the Aviation Industry

This accident has highlighted critical safety issues that need immediate attention, including:

1. Bird Strike Mitigation: Enhanced monitoring and proactive measures to reduce the risk of bird strikes near airports.
2. Emergency Landing Protocols: Training pilots to handle situations where multiple systems fail simultaneously.
3. Runway Safety Enhancements: Upgrading overrun areas at airports to include EMAS or similar systems.

Source: BBC

Next Steps

A joint investigation involving South Korea’s aviation authorities, Jeju Air, and the aircraft manufacturer Boeing is underway. Key priorities include:

• Analyzing the flight data and cockpit voice recorders (black boxes).
• Examining the engines and landing gear for bird strike-related damage.
• Reviewing air traffic control communications and weather conditions.
• Evaluating the airport’s safety infrastructure and response protocols.

Conclusion

The Jeju Air Flight 7C-2216 tragedy is a sobering reminder of the complexities and risks involved in modern aviation. While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, the incident underscores the importance of robust safety measures and swift emergency responses. The findings from this investigation will be crucial in shaping future policies and preventing similar occurrences.

Emergency Return to Runway 19

Following the go-around, the crew decided to attempt an emergency landing on the opposite end of the same runway, designated Runway 19. Video footage captured by witnesses reveals that the aircraft approached this landing with its landing gear retracted. While it is unclear why the crew chose to land without deploying the gear, it may have been related to mechanical damage from the bird strike or a deliberate decision to prioritize other systems.

The aircraft’s ADS-B transponder stopped transmitting data after the initial approach, preventing investigators from determining its exact speed during the emergency landing. However, the video suggests the aircraft was traveling at a high velocity when it touched down.

Runway Overrun and Collision

Upon touching down, the aircraft failed to stop within the confines of the runway. It overran the paved surface, continuing for approximately 300 meters across an unpaved area. The aircraft ultimately struck a concrete structure housing a localizer antenna at the end of the overrun zone. The impact caused the 737 to burst into flames, engulfing the fuselage in a massive fireball.

Emergency Response and Survivors

Emergency responders were dispatched to the crash site immediately. Despite their efforts, only two survivors, both cabin crew stationed at the rear of the aircraft, were rescued from the wreckage. They sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment. Tragically, all 175 passengers and the remaining four crew members lost their lives in the crash.

 

 

Sources: 

-BBC 

-FlightRadaer24