2024 Civilian Air Crashes: A Year of Tragedy and Lessons in Aviation Safety

In 2024, civilian air travel witnessed several tragic incidents, including the Jeju Air Flight 2216 crash in South Korea, which claimed 179 lives and became the deadliest aviation disaster of the year. Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38, while a Voepass ATR 72-500 crash in Brazil resulted in 62 fatalities. Other notable events included a mid-air collision near Nairobi and severe turbulence on LATAM Airlines Flight 800, causing injuries.

These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in aviation safety, underscoring the need for advanced technology, improved protocols, and global cooperation to ensure safer skies. Below is an overview of the most notable incidents:

Jeju Air Flight 2216 Crash

On December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed while landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea. The aircraft, arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, failed to deploy its landing gear, skidded off the runway, collided with a concrete barrier, and burst into flames. Tragically, 179 of the 181 people on board perished, making it the deadliest aviation disaster of the year and the worst involving a South Korean airline since 1997. Preliminary reports suggest a bird strike may have initiated the sequence of events leading to the crash.

Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 Incident

On December 25, 2024, Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243, an Embraer 190, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The flight, en route from Baku to Grozny, was reportedly denied landing due to fog and diverted to Aktau. Survivors reported hearing loud bangs before the crash, leading to speculation about possible external interference. Tragically, 38 of the 67 occupants lost their lives. Investigations are ongoing, with some reports suggesting the aircraft may have been mistakenly targeted by military defenses.

LATAM Airlines Flight 800 Incident

In March 2024, LATAM Airlines Flight 800, a Boeing 787-9 operating between Sydney and Auckland, experienced an in-flight upset resulting in injuries to 50 passengers. Despite the turbulence, the aircraft landed safely in Auckland. The incident highlighted concerns about in-flight safety and the need for stringent adherence to safety protocols during unexpected turbulence.

Safarilink Aviation Flight 53 Collision

Also in March 2024, Safarilink Aviation Flight 53, a De Havilland Canada Dash 8, collided mid-air with a Cessna 172 near Nairobi, Kenya. The collision resulted in the crash of the Cessna 172, killing both occupants, while the Dash 8 managed to land safely. This tragic event underscored the critical importance of air traffic control and collision avoidance systems, especially in congested airspaces.

Voepass ATR 72-500 Crash in Brazil

In 2024, a Voepass ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft crashed in Brazil after reportedly entering a steep descent. All 62 passengers and crew on board perished. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, but the incident has raised concerns about aircraft maintenance and operational procedures.

Analysis and Safety Measures

The incidents in 2024 highlight the multifaceted challenges in aviation safety, ranging from mechanical failures and human error to potential external interference. The Jeju Air and Azerbaijan Airlines crashes, in particular, underscore the catastrophic potential of bird strikes and the complexities of operating in conflict zones. In response, aviation authorities and airlines are expected to:

Enhance Bird Strike Prevention: Implement advanced wildlife management strategies around airports to mitigate bird strike risks. 
Strengthen Airspace Management: Improve coordination between civil aviation and military operations to prevent accidental targeting of civilian aircraft. 
Advance Aircraft Technology: Invest in technologies that enhance aircraft resilience to unexpected events, such as reinforced structures and improved emergency response systems. 

Pilot Training: Emphasize scenario-based training for pilots to effectively handle in-flight emergencies and unexpected situations. 

While air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, the events of 2024 serve as a sobering reminder of the continuous need for vigilance, innovation, and adherence to safety protocols to protect lives in the skies.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, The Week  , Panish Law, AP News