Jeju Air flight turns back amid parallels to Muan tragedy
A Jeju Air plane had to turn back due to a landing gear malfunction, similar to the one that caused the crash in Muan.
The Jeju Air flight number 7C101 took off from Gimpo International Airport to Jeju but had to return to the airport due to a detected landing gear issue.
According to Yonhap, the flight lasted just under 50 minutes, and the passengers were informed about the technical problem.
The plane that turned back is a Boeing B737-800, the same model that crashed in Muan. The landing gear malfunction was similar to the one that may have contributed to the crash.
Jeju Air has 39 such aircraft in its fleet.
The Muan disaster
179 people died in the Sunday crash in Muan. Experts indicate that the landing gear issue may have resulted from a bird strike. South Korea's Ministry of Transport described it as the most tragic air accident in 30 years.
Choi Sang Mok, the acting president of South Korea, declared a national mourning period lasting until January 4.
