Korean Air Flight 801 was a scheduled passenger flight from Seoul, South Korea, to Guam, operated by a Boeing 747-300. The aircraft took off from Gimpo International Airport but faced challenging weather conditions upon arrival in Guam. The pilots attempted to land in conditions characterized by thick clouds, rain, and poor visibility. As they descended toward the airport, the crew mismanaged their approach, resulting in the plane straying off course.

The aircraft struck Nimitz Hill, which is approximately 3.5 miles from the runway, before it could reach safety. The crash site was difficult to access due to the mountainous terrain, complicating rescue efforts. In total, 229 of the 254 people on board were killed, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the late 20th century. Investigations following the incident revealed issues with pilot error, inadequate training, and deficiencies in management protocols regarding navigation.

The investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) highlighted the critical nature of proper cockpit resource management and led to increased scrutiny and reforms in safety training protocols within the airline industry, particularly for international operators.