How did the 2 crew members survive the Jeju Air Crash?

Jeju Air Flight 7C-2216 Crash: Factors Contributing to Crew Members' Survival

On December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 7C-2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea, resulting in the tragic loss of 179 lives.Remarkably, two flight attendants survived the accident.Their survival can be attributed to several key factors related to their seating positions and safety equipment.

Seating Position and Aircraft Structure

The surviving crew members, a 33-year-old male flight attendant and a 25-year-old female flight attendant, were seated in the rear section of the aircraft.During the crash, the tail section separated from the main fuselage and remained relatively intact, avoiding the severe fire that engulfed the rest of the plane.This structural breakaway likely shielded them from fatal injuries. 

Rear-Facing Jump Seats and Safety Harnesses

Both attendants were seated in rear-facing jump seats equipped with four-point safety harnesses.Rear-facing seats distribute the forces of a frontal impact more evenly across the body, reducing the risk of severe injuries to the head, neck, and spine.The four-point harnesses provide greater restraint compared to standard seat belts, further enhancing occupant protection during sudden deceleration. 

Implications for Passenger Safety

The survival of these crew members has reignited discussions about the potential benefits of rear-facing seats for passengers.Studies in automotive safety have demonstrated that rear-facing seats offer superior protection in frontal collisions by distributing impact forces more effectively.However, factors such as passenger preference, increased weight, and structural design challenges have limited their adoption in commercial aviation. 

Ongoing Investigation

South Korean authorities, along with international aviation experts, are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft attempted a landing without deploying its landing gear, leading to the runway overrun and subsequent collision with a barrier.Data from the flight's black box and cockpit voice recorder are being analyzed to provide further insights into the sequence of events leading up to the accident.

Conclusion

The tragic incident of Jeju Air Flight 7C-2216 underscores the critical importance of seating configurations and safety equipment in enhancing survivability during aviation accidents.While the adoption of rear-facing seats for passengers presents challenges, the survival of the two flight attendants highlights the potential life-saving benefits of such configurations.

