South Korea’s Deadliest Plane Crash Raises Questions About Safety and Runway Design

The Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport killed 179 people, prompting scrutiny of airport infrastructure and aircraft safety protocols.

A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crash-landed at Muan International Airport on December 29, killing 179 of 181 people onboard, marking South Korea's worst aviation disaster.
The plane attempted an emergency belly landing after a reported bird strike and landing gear failure, skidding off the runway and colliding with a concrete embankment before bursting into flames.
The embankment’s proximity to the runway has drawn criticism, with experts questioning its compliance with international safety standards and its role in exacerbating the crash's severity.
Investigators are examining potential causes, including bird strikes, mechanical failures, and the pilots’ decision-making during the emergency landing attempt.
South Korea has launched inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft in the country and ordered a comprehensive review of airport safety measures, while U.S. investigators, including Boeing representatives, assist in the ongoing probe.