Runway Wall Caused All the Deaths in 2024 South Korean Plane Crash, Report Says

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by John YoonJanuary 9, 2026 at 11:51 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

A South Korean government report, completed in August 2025 and disclosed in January 2026, concluded that a concrete wall at the end of the runway caused all 179 deaths in the 2024 Jeju Air plane crash at Muan International Airport. The report, based on computer simulations, found that if the wall had been constructed with frangible materials, as per international guidelines, everyone on board would have survived the belly landing. The Boeing 737-800 struck the wall, which housed navigation antennas, after a bird strike incident during approach. The Transport Ministry commissioned the report as part of its ongoing investigation into the crash, which has faced scrutiny from victims' families and lawmakers. A previous investigation by The New York Times revealed the wall was built in violation of international safety guidelines.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Chang W. Lee 30% Seoul 40% Boeing 737-800 50% Muan 50% The New York Times ×260% South Korean government 70% Muan International Airport 70% South Korea’s Transport Ministry ×270% Jeju Air ×280% South Korea ×290% 2024 South Korean Plane Crash 90%

Keywords

runway wall 95% plane crash 90% frangible materials 85% concrete berm 80% aviation safety 75% computer simulation 70% investigation report 70% muan international airport 60% boeing 737-800 50% south korea 50%