The pilots of Jeju Air Flight 2216, which tragically crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea on December 29, have been revealed to have communicated various emergency landing strategies mere moments before the disaster. According to a recently obtained partial transcript shared with The Times, their communications with air traffic controllers indicated the pilots had reported a bird strike and made a mayday call as they prepared to land.
As they approached the airport, they suggested turning left, then right, but ultimately indicated they would need to land from an alternative direction when previous attempts failed. Despite their efforts, the plane landed on its belly, skidded off the runway, collided with a concrete structure meant for navigation aids, and erupted into flames. Of the 181 individuals on board, only two flight attendants stationed at the back of the Boeing 737-800 survived the catastrophic event.
This crash remains South Korea's deadliest aviation incident, comprising 179 fatalities. Investigators are still delving into the causes, and the recent communication transcript offers insights during a critical four-minute window when the flight recorders stopped operating. The transcript does not clarify the conditions of the aircraft’s engines or electrical systems, both crucial areas for the ongoing investigation. The black boxes' sudden cessation of data recording and the unengaged landing gear also raise pressing questions.
During a recent session, the reading of the transcript was shared with families of the victims by a representative from the investigative board. It was noted that certain parts of the conversations were excluded to maintain privacy. The full release of the transcript remains pending as officials continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.
