A Deadly December: Unprecedented Aviation Accidents in 2024
December 2024 has been marked by an unprecedented string of aviation accidents, with at least seven major crashes resulting in hundreds of fatalities worldwide. The deadliest of these occurred on December 28, when Jeju Air Flight 2216 crashed in South Korea, killing 179 of the 181 people aboard due to a landing gear failure during approach to Muan Airport.
Notable Incidents
- A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan crash near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu on December 17, killing both pilots during a training flight.
- The fatal Challenger 300 accident in Argentina, also on December 17.
- A Britten-Norman Islander crash in Papua New Guinea on December 22, killing all five aboard.
- A small aircraft crash near Fife Airport in Scotland on December 23, which resulted in the death of the pilot.
Aviation safety experts are now calling for enhanced safety protocols and equipment maintenance following this series of accidents. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently reported over 430,000 cases of GNSS interference in 2024, mostly around conflict zones. This highlights the growing challenges to aviation safety from external threats, moving beyond traditional mechanical failures.
Source: Business Standard