December 2024 has been a catastrophic month for aviation, with at least seven deadly plane crashes involving commercial airlines, highlighting serious concerns about aviation safety and emergency response procedures. These tragic events have left hundreds dead, underscoring the vulnerabilities in the aviation industry.
Jeju Air Plane Crash in South Korea
One of the deadliest plane crashes occurred on December 28 when a Jeju Air flight, attempting to land at Muan Airport in South Korea, lost control due to a malfunction in its front landing gear. The aircraft skidded off the runway, crashing into a concrete barrier and igniting a fierce fire. The fire claimed the lives of 179 of the 181 people on board, leaving only two survivors—a crew member and a passenger. Emergency responders battled the flames with 32 fire trucks and helicopters, but the cause of the landing gear failure remains under investigation.
Azerbaijan Airlines Crash in Kazakhstan
Earlier, on December 25, an Embraer ERJ-190AR aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines crashed near Aktau Airport in Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 passengers. The flight had been experiencing technical issues and poor weather, and after multiple failed landing attempts, the plane went down near the airport.
Private Plane Crash in Brazil
On December 22, a private plane crash in Brazil took the lives of ten members of the Galeazzi family, including businessman Luiz Claudio Galeazzi. The small aircraft collided with a chimney, house, and shop during its descent in Gramado, Brazil, injuring 17 people on the ground, with two in critical condition.
Papua New Guinea Islander Crash
Also on December 22, a Britten-Norman BN-2B-26 Islander plane crashed in Papua New Guinea, killing all five people on board. The aircraft had been en route from Wasu Airport to Lae-Nadzab Airport when it went down. Investigators are still analyzing the last communication before the crash.
Kamaka Air Crash in Hawaii
Another fatal incident occurred on December 17 when a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan operated by Kamaka Air crashed near Honolulu, Hawaii, shortly after takeoff. Both pilots were killed. Investigators are probing the cause of the crash, which involved a sharp left turn before the plane crashed into a building.
Missing Plane in Brazil
A Cessna plane traveling from Porto Velho to Manaus in Brazil went missing on December 20, and its wreckage was later found in the Amazon rainforest. Both occupants were confirmed dead.
Argentina Challenger Crash
On December 17, a Bombardier Challenger 300 aircraft crashed near San Fernando Airport in Argentina. The crash, caused by a missed runway approach, resulted in the deaths of both pilots.
Small Aircraft Crash in Scotland
Lastly, on December 23, a small aircraft crashed near Fife Airport in Scotland, killing the 50-year-old pilot after witnesses reported erratic maneuvers before it fell to the ground.
Non-Fatal Aviation Incidents
While these fatal accidents highlight significant safety concerns, other non-fatal incidents further emphasize the need for improved aviation protocols. On December 28, Air Canada Express Flight 2259 experienced a landing gear failure upon arrival in Halifax, but all 73 passengers and crew were safely evacuated. That same night, a KLM Boeing 737-800 made an emergency landing in Norway after a hydraulic failure, with all 150 people aboard escaping unharmed.
A Grim Reminder of Past Aviation Disasters
The tragic events of December 2024 echo the deadly month of July 2014, which saw multiple high-profile aviation disasters, including the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 and crashes in Taiwan and Mali, reminding the world of the ongoing challenges in aviation safety.