U.S. President Biden Expresses Deep Sorrow Over South Korea Aircraft Mishap Resulting in Almost 180 Fatalities
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U.S. President Biden Expresses Deep Sorrow Over South Korea Aircraft Mishap Resulting in Almost 180 Fatalities
President Joe Biden expressed his profound sorrow on Sunday following a catastrophic plane crash at a South Korean airport, which claimed the lives of nearly 180 individuals, making it one of the country's most devastating aviation disasters. In spite of the ongoing investigation into the causation of the accident, the outcome remains unclear.
Vital Details
Biden released a statement, expressing his and Jill Biden's deep sympathy for the heartbreaking loss of lives resulting from the Jeju Air plane crash. He noted that the American people possess a strong emotional attachment to the South Korean populace.
The ill-fated Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, operating on a Boeing 737-800, made its descent into Muan International Airport in Muan County, South Korea, close to 9 a.m. local time on Sunday. Regrettably, 179 of the 181 individuals aboard the plane perished, including all but two crew members.
Biden affirmed the U.S.'s readiness to offer any necessary assistance, and earlier on Sunday, the National Transportation Safety Board acknowledged their intent to collaborate with South Korean agencies in their examination of the crash. The investigation will involve personnel from the agency, the Federal Aviation Administration, and Boeing.
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How Was the Jeju Air Plane Catastrophe Triggered?
According to Lee Jeong-hyun, head of the Muan Fire Department, the crash could have been triggered by a bird strike or adverse weather conditions, although videos from the incident indicated clear skies. South Korean authorities have hinted at potential landing gear failure preceding the landing, despite no detectable malfunctions during pre-flight checks in Bangkok. Less than an hour before the crash, Muan's control tower reportedly warned of an elevated risk of bird strikes, and four staff members were actively working to avert such incidents at the time of the crash. Some specialists, referencing crash footage, posited the possibility of a hydraulic failure due to the pilot's apparent failure to deploy flaps to slow the plane.
Incredible Fact
The incident represents South Korea's worst aviation disaster since a Korean Airlines disaster in Guam in 1997, which left 229 lives lost, as per CNN. It is currently believed to be the deadliest crash worldwide since a Lion Air jet lined in 2018, when every one of the 189 individuals on board met with tragedy, as reported by the New York Times.
Crucial History
Footage of the Jeju Air flight revealed the plane sliding on the runway at Muan International Airport before colliding with an embankment and bursting into flames. The plane was virtually annihilated by the crash, with investigators weighing various possibilities regarding the trigger. Jeju Air and E-bae conveyed their “deepest apologies” for the incident and vowed to manage the aftermath diligently. E-bae acknowledged feeling “full responsibility” for the crash. Other global leaders, including Pope Francis, shared their condolences for the incident, expressing prayers for the survivors and the deceased.
Biden expressed his sympathy towards the loss of lives in the Jeju Air plane crash, stating that the American people have a strong emotional connection with South Korea. Upon learning of the incident, the National Transportation Safety Board announced their intention to collaborate with South Korean agencies in investigating the crash, with involvement from the FAA and Boeing.