A Jeju Air flight crashed at Musan Airport in South Korea after the pilot failed to deploy landing gear or flaps during descent [1].
The findings highlight a critical failure in cockpit procedures that resulted in a massive loss of life. Such errors often lead to systemic reviews of pilot training and safety protocols within the aviation industry.
The accident occurred Dec. 30, 2022, at Musan Airport in Mu-an-gun, Jeollanam-do [1]. Investigators determined that the aircraft performed a gear-up landing, also known as a belly landing, which caused the plane to lose control and crash [1].
According to the investigation, the pilot did not attempt to lower the landing gear before the aircraft hit the ground [1]. The failure to deploy the flaps further contributed to the loss of control during the final approach [1].
The crash resulted in 179 fatalities [1]. A representative of the investigation committee said the pilot performed a belly landing without trying to lower the landing gear [1].
The incident remains one of the most severe aviation accidents in the region due to the high number of casualties and the nature of the pilot error involved [1].
“The pilot did not attempt to lower the landing gear before the aircraft hit the ground.”
The determination that a pilot failed to execute basic landing procedures—specifically the deployment of gear and flaps—suggests a breakdown in the crew's checklist adherence or a catastrophic loss of situational awareness. This case underscores the necessity of rigorous adherence to standard operating procedures to prevent avoidable fatalities in commercial aviation.
