Investigation Launched Following Jeju Air Crash that Claimed 179 Lives
Authorities in South Korea have launched a comprehensive investigation into the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, which went off the runway at Muan International Airport, resulting in the deaths of 179 individuals. This incident marks the most severe aviation disaster in South Korea's history.
The flight, which originated from Bangkok, Thailand, experienced a belly landing and subsequently overshot the runway before igniting upon crashing into an embankment. Among the crew, two members situated in the rear of the Boeing 737-800 survived the incident but sustained injuries.
In response to the disaster, police conducted searches at the offices of Jeju Air and the airport operator, as well as at the transportation ministry's aviation authority. Investigators aim to collect documents and materials pertinent to the maintenance and operation of both the aircraft and the airport facilities.
A spokesperson for Jeju Air confirmed that the airline is currently assessing the situation. However, the airport operator did not provide immediate comments regarding the investigation.
Concerns have been raised by aviation safety experts regarding the embankment that was installed at the airport, which they argue is excessively rigid and situated too close to the runway's end. Najmedin Meshkati, a professor of engineering at the University of Southern California, expressed worries over the decision to position navigation equipment on a dense concrete structure rather than adhering to standard practices involving metal towers.
The investigation into the crash is being conducted in collaboration with South Korean officials and representatives from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft. Investigators are particularly focused on why the plane's landing gear was not deployed and what prompted the pilot to attempt a second landing despite declaring an emergency due to a suspected bird strike.
The aircraft's flight data recorder, which was damaged in the crash, is set to be sent to the United States for analysis in partnership with the NTSB. Authorities anticipate that the conversion of data from the cockpit voice recorder into audio files will be finalized shortly, potentially providing vital information regarding the final moments of the ill-fated flight.
Officials from the transportation ministry indicated that it may be challenging to publicly release the audio files, as they are deemed critical to the ongoing investigation. In a recent meeting focused on disaster management, acting President Choi Sang-mok emphasized the necessity of immediate action should inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft in South Korea reveal any issues.
Choi urged thorough inspections of operational maintenance, training, and education protocols given the public's heightened concern regarding the aircraft model involved in the crash. He also stressed the importance of providing support to the families of the victims as they receive the remains of their loved ones.
Moreover, he called on police to take action against individuals disseminating malicious or false information on social media regarding the disaster.
As investigations continue, a collaborative effort among NTSB, FAA, and Boeing representatives remains active in South Korea to ensure a thorough examination of all factors contributing to this catastrophic event.
