‘There was a big ball of fire’

[1] Korean Air Flight 801 was on approach to Guam International Airport at 1:50 a.m. Wednesday (Guam time) in heavy rain and fog, with one-mile visibility.

[2] Approximately three miles out, the control tower lost radar contact with the plane as it went down in the foothills.

[3] The airport’s glide slope landing system, which leads planes to the runway, reportedly had not been in service since last month.

Guam Fact Sheet

The tiny Pacific island of Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States, and represents the westernmost U.S. possession. Its people are U.S. citizens.

* Population: About 150,000, some 7,000 of whom are U.S. military and dependents.

* Language: The native language is Chamorro, though English is the official language and is taught in all schools.

* Economy: The only U.S. territory that has complete free trade; excise duties are levied only on imports of tobacco, liquid fuel and liquor. Agriculture, fishing, textile manufacturing and tourism are major sources of income. The Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard all have bases there.

Information Line (800-771-2611)

Korean Air established the above number for relatives seeking information about people who were aboard Flight 801.