Asiana Airlines Flight 733 Crashes on Final Approach
Asiana Airlines Flight 733, en route to Mokpo Airport in South Korea, crashed into a ridge on Mt. Ungeo during its third landing attempt. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-500, was attempting to land in poor visibility due to heavy rain and fog when the accident occurred. Of the 116 people on board, 68 were killed, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korea's history.
Crash occurred due to poor visibility conditions.
Flight 733 attempted landing three times before crash.
68 of 116 passengers and crew died in the incident.
Prompted reviews of aviation safety protocols.
What Happened?
Asiana Airlines Flight 733 was a scheduled domestic flight from Jeju International Airport to Mokpo Airport. On July 26, 1993, the Boeing 737-500 was making its final approach to Mokpo when it encountered severe weather conditions, including torrential rain and low visibility. The crew made two unsuccessful landing attempts before attempting a third approach. During this final attempt, the aircraft descended below the safe altitude and struck a ridge on Mount Ungeo, resulting in a catastrophic crash. Investigators later attributed the accident to pilot error compounded by the challenging weather conditions and potential miscommunication with air traffic control. of the 116 individuals on board, 68 lost their lives, while the remaining passengers and crew members survived with injuries. The crash highlighted the critical need for improved training in adverse weather conditions and better communication protocols within the aviation industry.
Why Does it Matter?
The crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 733 had significant implications for aviation safety in South Korea. It prompted a reevaluation of flight training programs, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive training on handling emergencies and recognizing hazardous weather. Following the incident, various measures were implemented to enhance air traffic control procedures and improve the overall response to adverse weather conditions, contributing to a safer flying environment in South Korea and beyond. This event also underscored the importance of rigorous safety protocols in commercial aviation, impacting regulations internationally.