In a shocking revelation from the ongoing investigation into the Jeju Air Flight 2216 disaster, partial transcripts of communications between the pilots and air traffic controllers indicate a desperate attempt to land the aircraft safely before it crashed at Muan International Airport, killing 179 individuals. The tragic incident, which occurred on December 29, 2024, was compounded by the pilots' accounts of encountering a bird strike just prior to their mayday call.
In the critical minutes leading up to the crash, the pilots issued multiple landing strategies, indicating a clear struggle to regain control of the Boeing 737-800. The transcript highlights their initial decision to turn left, followed by a request to turn right, aiming to approach the sole runway from an alternative angle. When that plan fell through, they accepted air traffic control's suggestion to land from the opposite direction.
Ultimately, the aircraft landed on its belly, overshot the runway, and collided with a concrete structure crucial for navigation, resulting in a catastrophic fireball. Of the 181 people on board, only two flight attendants seated at the back emerged alive.
Notably, investigators are still deliberating the incident's underlying causes, given that the black boxes ceased recording crucial data just four minutes before the disaster. The avian collision and mechanical failures linked to the engines and electrical systems remain focal points for analysis. The investigation board disclosed the transcripts to the victims' families during a meeting but emphasized the omission of sensitive discussions to protect the privacy of those involved.
As the inquiry continues, more revelations may surface concerning the tragic series of events that led to South Korea's deadliest aviation incident. The aviation community and the families of victims alike await further updates that can offer transparency and closure regarding this heartbreaking event.
