Air China Flight 129 was a scheduled passenger service that experienced a tragic accident on its approach to Gimhae International Airport in Busan. The flight originated from Beijing, China, and was carrying 166 passengers and crew members. As the aircraft neared its destination, it encountered adverse weather conditions, including low visibility from fog. The Boeing 737-800 misidentified its altitude during the approach, leading the pilots to mistakenly believe they were at a safe height when they were not. This led to a catastrophic crash into a hill, occurring just 2.5 miles from the runway.

The significant loss of life included both Chinese and South Korean nationals, with 129 fatalities reported. The aftermath of the crash raised serious concerns about aviation safety protocols, pilot training, and equipment reliability in challenging weather. It also led to increased scrutiny on the air traffic control procedures in the region, as well as the systems in place for aircraft navigation during poor visibility conditions.

In subsequent investigations, the South Korean government and relevant aviation authorities conducted thorough investigations, resulting in many recommendations to improve safety measures. The event highlighted the need for better communication and up-to-date navigation technology to prevent similar incidents in the future. This crash remains a somber reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the potential consequences of technical and human error in flight operations.