2024-12-29
Jeju Air
Flight 7C2216
Departure
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand
Destination
Muan International Airport, Muan, South Korea
Causation Breakdown
Recurrence Likelihood Today
Low
The immediate removal of non-frangible structures from runway safety areas has been mandated in South Korea and recommended globally. Compliance with ICAO frangibility standards at all airports is being audited internationally following this accident.
Summary
Jeju Air 2216 overran the runway at Muan Airport after a belly landing caused by suspected bird strike and failed landing gear. The aircraft struck a concrete localizer mount built into a reinforced berm at the runway end — a structure that should have been frangible under ICAO standards. Only 2 of 181 aboard survived, both flight attendants. It is South Korea's deadliest aviation accident and immediately triggered a nationwide audit of airport safety structures.
Cause & Investigation
Determined cause
Runway overrun after belly landing — non-frangible localizer structure
Following a suspected bird strike causing engine thrust loss, the aircraft performed a belly landing after the landing gear failed to deploy. Touching down far past the normal touchdown zone, the aircraft overran the runway end at high speed and struck the concrete localizer antenna mount, which had not been constructed to frangible (breakaway) safety standards. The structure was embedded in a reinforced earth berm, which acted as a near-solid barrier.
Investigation body
Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB), South Korea.
Timeline & Safety Improvements
Flight 7C2216 disaster
Boeing 737-8AS operating for Jeju Air. 179 fatalities, 2 survivors.
Formal investigation opened
Conducted by: Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB), South Korea.
Cause determined: Runway overrun after belly landing — non-frangible localizer structure
Following a suspected bird strike causing engine thrust loss, the aircraft performed a belly landing after the landing gear failed to deploy. Touching down far past the normal touchdown zone, the aircraft overran the runway end at high speed and struck the concrete localizer antenna mount, which had not been constructed to frangible (breakaway) safety standards. The structure was embedded in a reinforced earth berm, which acted as a near-solid barrier.
Improvement implemented
South Korea mandated immediate audit and replacement of all non-frangible runway end structures at all airports.
Improvement implemented
Runway End Safety Area (RESA) standards were revised to prohibit rigid structures within the safety zone.
Improvement implemented
ICAO frangibility requirements for all instrument landing system structures were re-emphasised to member states.
Improvement implemented
Investigation ongoing — further systemic recommendations expected in the final report.