At least 62 dead, two crew rescued in fiery South Korea airliner crash

At least 62 died after an airliner crashed into a wall at Muan International Airport in South Korea after veering off the runway and engulfing into flames on Sunday, according to the National Fire Agency. Two are rescued by the agency.

The accident happened when Jeju Air flight 7C2216, carrying 175 passengers and six crew on a flight from the Thai capital Bangkok, was landing shortly after 9 a.m. (0000 GMT) at the airport in the south of the country, according to South Korea's transport ministry.

South Korea's transport ministry could not confirm reports of casualties.




At least 58 bodies have been recovered but the final count is not made known yet, a second fire official who chose anonymity.

Two people survived, but rescue operations were hampered, said the Muan fire official. Yonhap news agency said that three people were rescued.

Reuters quoted an airport official a few hours after the crash as saying, "Authorities are working to rescue people in the tail section."




A local video by media captures the twin-engine plane skidding along the runway with no landing gears before the impact, where the plane hits a wall in a fire and debris explosion. Other pictures captured smoke and fire engulfing parts of the aircraft.

According to Yonhap, the airport authorities state that a bird strike that hit the landing gear may be the possible cause.

News1 quoted an agency as saying that a passenger wrote a message to a family member stating that a bird was caught in the wing. In his last message, he asked whether to say his final words.

Bird strike is one of several unverified theories, according to an official from the aviation department at the transport ministry. "The investigation continues," the official said.

The Transportation Ministry said the passengers were of two nationalities: Thai and others thought to be Koreans.

A Jeju Air spokesperson said the plane, operated by Jeju Air, is a 737-800 jet. The company is seeking more information regarding casualties and the reasons behind the accident.

What airline crashed in South Korea?

A tragic plane crash occurred in South Korea on December 29, 2024, involving a Jeju Air flight that was returning from Bangkok to Muan International Airport. The aircraft, carrying 181 individuals (175 passengers and 6 crew members), crashed while attempting to land, reportedly due to a malfunction of the landing gear after a suspected bird strike









Key Details:

Location: Muan International Airport, South Korea.


Casualties: The death toll has varied in reports, with estimates ranging from 28 to over 62 fatalities as rescue operations continue


Incident Description: The plane veered off the runway and collided with a wall. Eyewitness accounts describe dense smoke and flames emanating from the aircraft following the crash


Rescue Operations: Emergency teams are actively working to evacuate survivors from the rear section of the plane, with at least two survivors reported so far

This incident marks one of the most severe aviation accidents in South Korea in recent years, prompting calls for comprehensive rescue efforts from government officials

Which international airline has never crashed?

Several international airlines are recognized for their exceptional safety records, having never experienced fatal accidents. Here are some notable examples:












Often considered the safest airline globally, Qantas has been operating since 1920 and has not had any fatal accidents since then, although it has experienced some non-fatal incidents

Founded in 1929, Hawaiian Airlines is the oldest airline in the United States and has maintained a flawless safety record with no fatal accidents involving passenger aircraft

This Taiwanese airline, established in 1989, has not had any passenger fatalities since its inception, highlighting its commitment to safety


Operating since 1971, Southwest has also never had a fatal accident, making it one of the safest airlines in the U.S.

his British low-cost carrier has been flying since 1995 and has never experienced a fatal crash or serious incident resulting in a hull loss.


These airlines exemplify strong safety practices and operational excellence, contributing to their impressive records in aviation safety.

What are the 2 Korean Airlines?

The two major airlines in South Korea are:

Korean Air: The largest airline in South Korea, known for its extensive international and domestic routes. It is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance.


Asiana Airlines: The second-largest airline in South Korea, offering a wide range of international flights and also a member of the Star Alliance.



These airlines dominate the South Korean aviation market, particularly on routes to Japan, where they have captured a significant share of flight capacity

What was the missing plane on Korean Airlines?

The missing plane associated with Korean Airlines refers to Jeju Air flight 2216, which crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea on December 29, 2024. This aircraft was carrying 181 people (175 passengers and 6 crew members) and was returning from Bangkok, Thailand.









Key Details:

Incident: The plane veered off the runway and collided with a wall during its landing approach, leading to a fire caused by a malfunction in the landing gear.


Casualties: Reports indicate a significant number of fatalities, with estimates ranging from 28 to over 85 deaths as rescue operations continue.


Rescue Operations: Emergency services are actively working to evacuate survivors, with some individuals reportedly rescued from the tail section of the aircraft.



This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety and emergency response in South Korea.

How many planes did the US lose in Korea?

During the Korean War, the United States lost a total of 1,986 aircraft. This includes:

1,041 aircraft were lost due to enemy action, which comprises 147 in air-to-air combat.


816 aircraft were lost to hostile ground fire.


78 aircraft were lost for unknown reasons.

The losses were significant across various branches of the military, with the United States Air Force (USAF) losing 1,466 planes, while the Navy, Marines, and allied foreign air forces accounted for an additional 520 aircraft losses

Which is the safest flight?

The safest airline for 2024 is Air New Zealand, which has reclaimed its top position in safety rankings. This follows a close competition with Qantas, which now holds the second spot. The rankings are based on various factors, including crash records, serious incidents, audits from aviation authorities, fleet age, and pilot training standards.
Top 10 Safest Airlines for 2024:


These airlines have demonstrated outstanding safety practices and innovations in aviation, making them the most reliable choices for travelers concerned about flight safety

What country has the worst plane crashes?

The countries with the highest rates of aviation accidents and fatalities, indicating a poor safety record in air travel, include:

Russia: Historically, Russia has had one of the highest numbers of fatal airline accidents, attributed to factors such as ineffective regulation, poorly trained pilots, and outdated aircraft. The country was noted as the most dangerous for flying as of 2011 due to a series of fatal crashes.


Brazil: Brazil also ranks high in aviation accidents, particularly due to challenging flying conditions in remote areas like the Amazon, where airstrips lack modern equipment and infrastructure.


Ethiopia: The country has experienced several significant aviation disasters, including the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in 2019, which resulted in all 157 passengers and crew members losing their lives.


Indonesia: Known for a high number of aviation incidents over the years, Indonesia's aviation sector has faced scrutiny due to safety concerns and regulatory challenges.


Nigeria: Nigeria has seen numerous air crashes and incidents, often linked to issues such as inadequate maintenance and regulatory oversight.

These countries have been highlighted for their challenging aviation environments and safety concerns, making them some of the most dangerous places for air travel based on historical crash data and accident statistics

What is the poorest airline in the world?

The poorest airline in the world for 2024 is Tunisair, which ranked last (109th) in the AirHelp Score report. This airline received a low overall score of 3.63 out of 10, reflecting significant issues with punctuality, customer satisfaction, and service quality.

• Top 5 Worst Airlines of 2024:
• Tunisair (Tunisia) - Score: 3.63
• Buzz (Poland) - Score: 4.45
• Nouvelair (Tunisia) - Score: 4.48
• Bulgaria Air (Bulgaria) - Score: 4.54
• El Al Israel Airlines (Israel) - Score: 4.67

These airlines have struggled with operational inefficiencies and customer service issues, leading to their poor performance ratings in the aviation industry this year

What is the most famous plane disappearance?

The most famous plane disappearance is Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which vanished on March 8, 2014. The flight was en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board when it lost contact with air traffic control about 38 minutes after takeoff.








Last Communication: The last communication from the crew occurred while the plane was over the South China Sea.


Search Efforts: The search for MH370 became the most expensive in aviation history, initially focusing on the South China Sea and later extending to the southern Indian Ocean based on satellite data.


Current Status: Despite extensive search efforts, the main wreckage has never been found, although some debris confirmed to be from the aircraft washed ashore in subsequent years.

The mystery surrounding MH370 has captivated public interest and led to numerous theories regarding its fate, making it a significant event in aviation history.

Why did the Soviets shoot down a Korean airliner?

The shooting down of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 on September 1, 1983, was primarily attributed to the Soviet Union's belief that the aircraft was a U.S. spy plane. The flight, which was traveling from Anchorage to Seoul, accidentally strayed into restricted Soviet airspace near Sakhalin Island during a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and the USSR.
Key Reasons for the Incident:

Violation of Airspace: The aircraft deviated from its assigned flight path and entered Soviet airspace without authorization. This area was sensitive due to its proximity to military installations and ongoing U.S. reconnaissance missions in the region12.


Perceived Threat: Soviet military officials believed that the aircraft's presence in restricted airspace was part of an intelligence-gathering operation by the United States. They noted that the flight did not respond to radio communications from Soviet air traffic control or intercepting fighters, which further raised suspicions23.


Military Protocol: The Soviet interceptor pilot, Major Gennadi Osipovich, fired two missiles at the aircraft after it failed to comply with signals to change course. The first missile exploded behind the tail, while the second struck the left wing, leading to a catastrophic failure of the aircraft13.


International Tensions: The incident escalated tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, resulting in widespread condemnation and a significant diplomatic fallout. All 269 passengers and crew members aboard were killed, including U.S. Congressman Lawrence McDonald13.

The downing of Flight 007 remains one of the most controversial incidents in aviation history and is often cited as a significant event during the Cold War era

Is Hijack Korean based on a true story?

Yes, Hijack 1971 is based on a true story. The film recounts the hijacking of Korean Air flight F27 on January 23, 1971, which was a domestic flight from Gangneung to Seoul. The aircraft was taken over by a hijacker named Kim Sang-tae, who threatened to blow up the plane unless it was redirected to North Korea.
Key Details:

Incident Background: The hijacking involved 55 passengers and five crew members. During the incident, the hijacker aimed to defect to North Korea and "gift" the plane and its passengers to the North Korean regime.


Media Coverage: The event garnered significant media attention in Korea and internationally, leading to changes in South Korea’s aviation policies.


Film Representation: While the film takes some creative liberties, it closely captures the terror experienced by the crew and passengers, highlighting the bravery of the pilots and flight attendants during this crisis.



The film is directed by Kim Seong-han and features actors such as Ha Jung-woo and Yeo Jin-goo, portraying the intense situations faced during the hijacking. It aims to honor the real-life heroes of this incident while providing a gripping cinematic experience.