A Christmas Travel Tragedy in S Korea
Horrific Loss of Life
A S. Korean -- ROK -- low-fare airline, Jeju, with an immaculate safety record, made a Mayday call and was given the right to immediately land opposite the prevailing wind at the nearest airport..
All but two aboard, cabin crew in the very rear, were killed. 179 souls, from age 3 to age 78, died in a fiery crash as the aircraft's landing gear failed to deploy.
The captain was a very senior pilot, very familiar with this aircraft.
Currently, all is speculation as to the causes of the Mayday call. A bird strike might have been part of it, weather another, or some other contributing factors. This airline, and all ROK airlines, are considered top-of-the-line for safety and maintenance.
These passengers were mostly returning from spending Christmas with family in Thailand, people whose religion made them want to be with family at this time of the year. I give a silent prayer that no more such events mar this Christmas season.
It is easy to be frustrated by airline delays or re-bookings. If you or someone you love is delayed by weather or forced to remain on the ground, you might want to give thanks, not anger.
It could be so much worse. May it not be.
Respectfully, for those taken and those in sorrow for their terrible loss,
Joe