The Cause of South Korea Plane Crash Kill 179: Bird Strike or Mechanical Failures? The Cause of South Korea Plane Crash Kill 179: Bird Strike or Mechanical Failures?
Surviving Flight Attendant Recounts the Moment Jeju Air Plane Crash
One of the two survivors is taken to a general hospital in Mokpo city on December 29. (Photo: Yonhap)
Lee Mo was working as a flight attendant in the back of the cabin when the accident occurred on December 29. Before the Jeju Air plane landed, he sat in the flight attendant seat at the tail and fastened his seatbelt. Lee stated that when the incident occurred, he believed the plane had landed but had no idea what happened after that.

Lee stated that when he awoke in the hospital, he only remembered the moment the plane landed and had no further memories.

The treating doctor stated that Lee was in shock and appeared to have lost his memory, constantly inquiring about the accident situation. Lee also suffered a fractured left shoulder and a head injury, but he remained conscious and able to walk. Lee's family apparently requested that he be transferred to a hospital in Seoul for treatment.

To date, authorities have only saved two people: Lee and a female passenger. The remaining 179 people are thought to have died.

"Many people were thrown from the plane, and there was little chance of survival. The fuselage was also completely destroyed, and we are having trouble identifying the victims. "We need more time to search for and collect the bodies," stated a Jeonnam Provincial Fire Department official.

The Boeing 737-800 attempted to land on its belly at approximately 9:07 a.m. on December 29 (local time) after the landing gear failed and could not be lowered.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang before the plane crashed into the airport's perimeter wall, breaking into two pieces and catching fire. The local TV station MBC aired footage of the plane colliding with birds before landing.

Learn more: Who Are the Two Miraculous Survivors in Korean Plane Crash?

Surviving Flight Attendant Recounts the Moment Jeju Air Plane Crash
Jeju Air Crash

According to authorities, the flight carried 175 passengers, including 173 South Koreans, 2 Thais, and 6 crew members.

Jeju Air has pledged to overcome the aftermath of the tragic plane crash.

"We are investigating the exact cause of the incident. "The plane has been in service for 15 years and has had no incidents," the company stated.

According to the JoongAng Ilbo, this is South Korea's worst domestic civil aviation disaster to date, and it is the first major fatality involving a low-cost carrier.

Previous major accidents on South Korean soil include a 1993 Asiana Airlines crash in Mokpo, which killed 68 people, and a 2002 Air China crash near Gimhae Airport, which killed 129 out of 166 passengers.

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