Insights from Jeju Air Flight 2216 Pilot Communications Before Tragic Crash

The conversation between the pilots of Jeju Air Flight 2216 and air traffic controllers highlights their struggle with landing maneuvers just before the tragic crash at Muan International Airport, providing vital information for ongoing investigations.

On December 29, Jeju Air Flight 2216 faced a dire situation as it approached Muan International Airport in South Korea before tragically crashing and claiming the lives of 179 individuals. Recently, a partial transcript of conversations between the pilots and air traffic controllers has surfaced, shedding light on the desperate moments leading to the disaster.

According to the transcript, the pilots reported a bird strike shortly after initiating their descent and declared a mayday alert. They first signaled a left turn, then requested to turn right, attempting to approach the airport's only runway from the south. When those attempts fell short, controllers suggested a landing from the opposite direction, to which the pilots consented.

Regrettably, the sequence ended with the Boeing 737-800 landing on its belly and overrunning the runway before colliding with a concrete structure housing navigational equipment, resulting in a catastrophic fireball. In a bleak outcome, only two survivors were found: the flight attendants seated at the rear of the aircraft.

The investigation into the crash—the most devastating aviation accident in South Korean history—is ongoing. Both flight recorders, commonly known as black boxes, stopped recording shortly before the crash, further complicating the inquiry. The transcript reveals no information regarding the jet’s engines or electrical systems, crucial areas under scrutiny by investigators. It remains unclear why the flight recorders became inoperative or how the landing gear was not deployed.

The partial transcript was presented to relatives of the victims by representatives of an investigation board, although they withheld some information to respect the privacy of individuals involved. To date, the full transcript has not been publicly released, and the investigation board has yet to respond to requests for further commentary.