A Korean Air Boeing 737 Max 8 was forced to return to South Korea shortly after departing for Taiwan, following a significant in-flight incident that saw the aircraft lose 25,000 feet in altitude within five minutes. The incident, which occurred around 30 minutes post-takeoff, was attributed to a malfunction in the plane’s pressurization system as it flew over Jeju Island, reported the Yonhap News Agency.
Social media was abuzz with videos showcasing the interior of the cabin during the ordeal, highlighting shaking and oxygen masks deployed, an unsettling scene captured by passengers and shared widely, as noted by Business Insider.
The rapid descent resulted in physical discomfort for several passengers, with Yonhap noting that 15 individuals reported symptoms such as eardrum pain and hyperventilation. Of these, 13 were subsequently hospitalized, according to data provided by South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation.
In response to the incident, Korean Air issued a statement asserting their commitment to a thorough investigation, stating, “We are fully cooperating with all relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
This particular aircraft was a relatively recent addition to the Korean Air fleet, having been delivered in July 2022, although it first entered service in late 2019, as per records from Airfleets.net.
The incident comes at a time when Boeing, the aircraft’s manufacturer, faces scrutiny over its safety practices. Last week, David Calhoun, the outgoing CEO of Boeing, addressed the Senate, affirming the company’s dedication to enhancing its quality-control measures amidst ongoing concerns about aircraft safety.