On 29 December 2024, Jeju Air Flight 7C 2216 (a Boeing 737-800), operating from Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi International Airport, crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea after making a high speed, gear-up landing. The aircraft skidded past the end of the runway and collided with a concrete platform, before disintegrating and bursting into flames with only the tail section remaining intact. Of the 181 occupants, only two flight attendants seated in the tail section survived the crash.

The apparent malfunction of the Boeing’s landing gear was a key factor in the crash. The reason for that malfunction is critical, and while initial reports have blamed a bird strike, a full investigation needs to be conducted to ascertain the consequences of any strike, the exact cause of the landing gear malfunction, and whether that was in fact related to any purported bird strike.

Alongside concerns over the malfunction of the landing gear, questions will be raised concerning the operational decisions that saw the pilots attempting a high speed, gear-up landing with touchdown occurring some distance along the runway. Without landing gear, at such speed, and such late contact with the ground, it is difficult to see how the pilots would not have foreseen the likely consequences of landing, particularly if they were familiar with the positioning of the barrier at the end of the runway.

The aircraft operator, Jeju Air, is insured by Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance with 99% of the risk reinsured into Lloyds of London and led by AXA XL. The insurance policy covers passenger liability of up to $1bn. Under standard reinsurance claim control clauses, the London reinsurer will decide claims and will likely appoint London-based defence lawyers to manage the legal process.

Sarah Stewart, Partner in the Aviation team at Stewarts, comments:

Aviation claims are complex and complicated, and specialist legal advice is essential to be able to navigate the likely pitfalls. Stewarts is building an international team of the leading aviation lawyers in the US and South Korea to join with our leading practice in the UK, to ensure the best legal advice and assistance is given to the families affected.

If you have been injured while a passenger on a plane, please contact our team at aviation@stewartslaw.com.