Another Boeing aircraft has reportedly encountered landing gear problems following South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster. On December 29, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crash-landed at Muan International Airport, killing 179 of its nearly 200 passengers. The plane, 15 years old, failed to deploy its front landing gear, overshot the runway, struck a concrete fence, and burst into flames. Only two crew members survived.
Pilots aborted their first landing attempt due to unknown issues and were warned of a bird strike during the second approach. The transport ministry confirmed the pilot issued a distress signal moments before the crash. Aviation expert David Learmount criticized the presence of the concrete wall, stating, “I think it’s verging on criminal to have it there.”
A day later, another Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 faced a landing gear signal issue shortly after departing from Seoul. The captain returned the plane safely after the gear resumed normal operation, according to Song Kyung-hoon of Jeju Air.
South Korean officials are inspecting all Boeing 737-800 aircraft in the country. Acting president Choi Sang-mok called for a complete overhaul of aviation safety systems, emphasizing the need to “prevent recurrences of similar incidents.”
Investigations into the fatal crash continue, with authorities working to determine its exact cause.
