Two flight attendants miraculously survive Jeju Air Flight 2216 crash, thanks to their rear seating position.
At a Glance
- Jeju Air Flight 2216 crashed at Muan International Airport, killing 179 out of 181 people on board
- Two flight attendants survived due to their seating at the rear of the Boeing 737
- Rear seats have statistically lower fatality rates in plane crashes
- A suspected bird strike may have led to engine failure and the subsequent crash
- The presence of a concrete wall at the runway’s end is being criticized as a safety hazard
Tragic Crash at Muan International Airport
In a devastating incident that has shocked the aviation world, Jeju Air Flight 2216 crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea, resulting in the loss of 179 lives. The Boeing 737 skidded off the runway and collided with a wall, leaving only the tail section intact. Amidst the tragedy, two flight attendants miraculously survived, their survival attributed to their seating position at the rear of the aircraft.
The crash has reignited discussions about aircraft safety and the importance of seat selection. Investigators are currently examining the cause of the crash, with initial reports indicating a possible bird strike reported by the pilot before the incident. The plane’s failure to deploy landing gear or speed brakes may have been due to engine failure affecting hydraulic systems.
At least 177 people were killed in South Korea’s deadliest air accident when Jeju Air flight 2216 crashed at Muan International Airport. Investigators are looking into bird strikes and weather conditions as potential causes https://t.co/UCBiW1DBka pic.twitter.com/YqIqfqHFZR
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 29, 2024
The Safest Seats on a Plane
The survival of the two flight attendants has brought attention to a Time magazine analysis that found rear seats have a lower fatality rate in crashes compared to middle and front sections. This incident seems to corroborate these findings, highlighting the potential life-saving advantage of choosing seats at the back of the aircraft.
“The middle seats are safer than the window or aisle seats, that is, as you might expect, because of the buffer provided by having people on either side.” – Doug Drury
Factors affecting crash survival include seat location, with exit rows offering quicker escape but potential danger near fuel-carrying wings. Middle seats are considered safer than window or aisle seats due to the buffer of adjacent passengers. However, it’s important to note that the likelihood of dying in a plane crash remains extremely low, with commercial aviation being the safest mode of travel.
Survivor’s Account and Safety Concerns
One of the survivors, flight attendant Lee Mo, was seated in the rear due to job duties. Upon regaining consciousness after the crash, Lee reportedly asked, “Where am I?… What happened?” This harrowing experience underscores the importance of seat placement in aviation safety.
“Only the tail part retains a little bit of shape, and the rest of (the plane) looks almost impossible to recognize.” – Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun
The crash has also raised questions about airport safety protocols. An aviation safety expert criticized the presence of a concrete wall at the runway’s end, calling it “verging on criminal.” This aspect of the airport’s design will likely be scrutinized as part of the ongoing investigation into the crash.
