GIMPO: A Jeju Air flight was forced to return to Gimpo International Airport shortly after takeoff due to a landing gear issue similar to one that caused a fatal crash the day before, industry sources reported. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of the Boeing B737-800, a model used widely by the airline.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Jeju Air Flight 7C101, which was en route to Jeju, took off at 6:37 a.m. but detected a mechanical defect with its landing gear soon after. The flight, carrying 161 passengers, was safely returned to Gimpo at 7:25 a.m. after informing passengers about the critical issue. The airline plans to resume services by deploying a replacement aircraft to continue operations.
Landing gear problems pose significant safety risks, as they are integral to safe takeoffs and landings and crucial in reducing impact during emergency situations. The incident echoes a tragic crash on Sunday in which a Jeju Air aircraft of the same model crashed in Muan, resulting in 179 fatalities. Investigations suggest that the failure of all three landing gears may have contributed to the disaster.
The aircraft in both incidents was a Boeing B737-800, a model of which Jeju Air operates 39 out of its fleet of 41. The recurrence of the landing gear issue has raised questions about the overall safety and maintenance protocols of the airline's fleet, prompting a review of current operational practices.