Warning: This article contains graphic images, video, and descriptions that some readers may find distressing.
The moments leading up to the South Korea plane crash reveal a harrowing account of the disaster aboard the aircraft.
Officials have reported that 179 of the 181 individuals on Jeju Air Flight 2216 died after the incident on Sunday, December 29.
Referred to as the most devastating domestic aviation disaster in South Korea’s history, investigators are piecing together the events leading to the crash.
The 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 aircraft made a crash landing at Muan International Airport, approximately 180 miles south of Seoul, at about 9:03 am local time that day.
A shocking video circulating on social media displays the plane’s failed landing attempt, showing it colliding with a wall and erupting in flames.
The transport ministry has outlined the sequence of events thought to have occurred in the final moments before the crash.
At 8:54 am, air traffic control granted the aircraft clearance to land on runway one. Three minutes later, an advisory about bird activity was communicated to the flight crew.
At 8:59 am, the aircraft’s pilot reported a bird strike, declaring “mayday mayday mayday” and “bird strike, bird strike, go-around.”
The plane attempted a go-around and sought permission to land on runway 19.
By 9:01 am, air traffic control authorized the landing on runway 19. Shortly after, the plane contacted the runway at about the 1,200m point of the 2,800m stretch. The ‘crash bell’ was sounded, and airport fire rescue units were dispatched.
At 9:03 am, the plane veered off the runway and crashed.
South Korean media reported that a passenger texted a family member, alleging a bird was ‘stuck in the wing,’ which impeded the landing.
“Should I leave my last words,” the passenger allegedly texted. Subsequently, no further communication was received from them.
The South Korean government has declared a seven-day national mourning period.
Jeju Air has displayed a black banner on its website, stating: “We deeply apologize to all those affected by the incident. We will make every effort to resolve the situation.”
“We sincerely regret the distress caused.”