The other two incidents, in Canada and Norway, involved technical failures but miraculously resulted in no injuries.
SHAH ALAM - On Dec 28, three aviation incidents shocked the world, with the most devastating being a fiery crash in South Korea that claimed 179 lives.
The other two incidents, in Canada and Norway, involved technical failures but miraculously resulted in no injuries.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the tragic and alarming series of events that unfolded within just a few hours.
South Korea: Jeju Air's tragic crash claims 179 lives
In South Korea, Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed while landing at Muan International Airport.
The aircraft, carrying 181 people, including six crew members, skidded off the runway, collided with a wall, and burst into flames.
Tragically, only two people survived, making this the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korean history.
The crash occurred shortly after 9am local time, as the plane arrived from Bangkok.
Initial reports suggest the crash may have been triggered by a bird strike that caused a failure in the aircraft's landing gear.
The South Korean Transport Ministry confirmed these details and launched an investigation.
Muan Fire Chief Lee Jung-hyun described the devastation stating that aside from a small portion of the tail that remained intact, the rest of the aircraft was nearly unrecognisable.
A survivor, identified by the surname Lee, who had been serving as a flight attendant, shared with doctors that he regained consciousness to find that he had already been rescued.
Jeju Air’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kim E-bae issued a heartfelt apology for the tragedy, bowing deeply during a televised briefing.
He assured the public that the aircraft had no history of accidents or technical issues and vowed full cooperation with investigators.
Kim emphasised that the airline would prioritise supporting the families of the victims during this difficult time.
Canada: Flames and sparks during landing in Halifax
Later that evening, a PAL Airlines-operated Air Canada Express flight from Newfoundland experienced a tense moment while landing at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
Due to a suspected landing gear issue, the Bombardier Q400 aircraft tilted during touchdown, causing sparks and flames.
Passenger Nikki Valentine recounted the harrowing incident to CBC News, describing how the cabin suddenly tilted, sparks erupted into flames and smoke filled the cabin.
Despite the dramatic visuals, she expressed profound gratitude for the pilot’s swift and decisive actions that helped regain control of the situation.
Miraculously, all 73 passengers and crew members safely disembarked, with the passengers transported by buses from the runway.
The airport spokesperson, Tiffany Chase confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Norway: Emergency landing ends safely
Just hours before the South Korean crash, KLM flight KL1204, a Boeing 737-800, encountered a hydraulic failure shortly after departing Oslo-Gardermoen Airport for Amsterdam.
The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport, skidding off the runway and into a grassy area.
Fortunately, all 182 passengers and crew members were unharmed.
Norwegian police confirmed the incident, stating that the flight had to divert and land at Torp Airport due to the hydraulic failure.
Emergency crews immediately evacuated passengers using mobile stairs, and KLM arranged transportation and accommodation for those affected.
In a statement, KLM expressed relief that no injuries occurred and promised full cooperation in the investigation.
