12/30/2024
In recent days, two tragic airplane crashes have occurred, resulting in significant loss of life.
South Korea Plane Crash
On December 29, 2024, a Jeju Air flight returning to South Korea from Bangkok crashed while attempting to land in Muan, approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Seoul. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members. The crash resulted in the deaths of 179 individuals, with only two crew members surviving. Preliminary reports suggest that the landing gear failed to deploy, causing the plane to crash into a perimeter wall and burst into flames. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the malfunction.
CBS NEWS
Azerbaijan Airlines Crash in Kazakhstan
On December 25, 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 flight en route from Baku to Grozny crashed during an emergency landing at Aktau Airport in Kazakhstan. The aircraft was carrying 67 passengers, including 37 Azerbaijani nationals, 16 Russians, six Kazakh citizens, and three Kyrgyz nationals. Tragically, 38 people lost their lives, while 29 survivors, including two children, were rescued. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with initial theories suggesting factors such as a bird collision, fog, and changing weather conditions. There are also unconfirmed speculations that the plane might have been accidentally shot down by Russian air defense systems amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. In response, Azerbaijan has suspended flights between Baku and Grozny pending further investigation.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of all those affected by these tragic events. The aviation authorities are conducting thorough investigations to determine the causes and to prevent such incidents in the future.