A passenger's chilling last words marked the tragic moments before a devastating plane crash in South Korea.

According to Daily Mail, Jeju Air flight 7C2216 from Bangkok crashed at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024, killing 179 people after a passenger reported seeing a bird stuck in the wing.

Before the crash, the doomed passenger sent a haunting text message to a relative asking if they should say their last words. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, carrying 181 passengers and crew members, veered off the runway during landing and erupted into flames after hitting a wall.

Local media footage captured the horrifying moment when the plane skidded down without apparent landing gear before the fatal impact.

Bird Strike Warning Preceded Fatal Landing Attempt at Muan Airport

The control tower had issued a bird strike warning shortly before the pilots declared a mayday. About one minute after the distress call, the aircraft attempted its ill-fated landing. Investigators are examining both bird strikes and weather conditions as potential factors in the crash, with airport authorities suggesting that a bird strike may have caused the landing gear malfunction.

Senior Transport Ministry official Joo Jong-wan confirmed that workers had retrieved the flight data and cockpit voice recorders. These crucial components of the plane's black box will undergo a thorough examination by government experts to determine the cause of the crash and subsequent fire.

The rescue operation involved an extensive emergency response, with 32 fire trucks, several helicopters, and approximately 1,560 firefighters, police officers, soldiers, and other officials deployed to the scene. The crash site, according to witnesses, was permeated with the smell of aviation fuel and blood.

Massive Emergency Response Marks South Korea's Deadliest Aviation Disaster Since 1997

Fire chief Lee Jung-hyun described the devastating extent of the damage at a briefing. He provided this stark assessment of the wreckage: "Only the tail part retains a little bit of shape, and the rest of (the plane) looks almost impossible to recognize."

The crash represents South Korea's deadliest aviation disaster since the 1997 Korean Air incident in Guam that claimed over 200 lives. Two crew members were rescued from the tail section, but the death toll reached 179, making it one of the worst landing mishaps globally since 2007.

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae issued a public apology, bowing deeply during a televised briefing. The airline confirmed the aircraft had no previous accident record and showed no early signs of malfunction before departure from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Tragedy Sends Shockwaves Through South Korean Aviation Industry

The incident has prompted immediate action from South Korean authorities. All domestic and international flights at Muan Airport were canceled following the crash. Acting President Choi Sang-mok visited the crash site and pledged the government's full resources toward managing the aftermath.

The passenger manifest revealed that most victims were South Korean nationals, with two Thai passengers among the deceased. The Thai government has expressed condolences and offered assistance through their foreign ministry.

This catastrophic event occurred as South Korea's aviation industry had maintained a relatively strong safety record since the 1997 disaster. The crash has raised questions about aviation safety protocols and bird strike prevention measures at South Korean airports.

Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy

1. Importance of Emergency Preparedness: Quick responses can save lives. Understanding and participating in safety drills are crucial.

2. Recognizing Signs of Trouble: Passengers should always report any unusual incidents during a flight, no matter how small they may seem.

3. Solidarity in Response: A coordinated effort between governmental agencies, airlines, and international bodies is vital in crisis management.

While precaution is essential, crime or accidents can strike unbidden, and victims should never be blamed.

Why This Story Matters

This story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of stringent safety measures in aviation. It underscores the critical importance of international cooperation in times of disaster and the enduring human spirit's resilience.

Fatal December Morning Transforms South Korean Aviation History

The December 29 crash of Jeju Air flight 7C2216 has become a defining moment in South Korean aviation history, claiming 179 lives after a catastrophic landing attempt at Muan International Airport.

The tragedy, which began with reports of a bird strike and culminated in a fiery crash, represents the country's deadliest aviation disaster in over two decades. As investigators examine the flight recorders and wreckage, the focus remains on determining how a routine landing transformed into one of the worst aviation disasters in recent global history.