A US investigative team, including representatives from Boeing, is examining the site of a tragic plane crash in South Korea that claimed 179 lives. The incident, involving a Boeing 737-800 operated by budget carrier Jeju Air, occurred on Sunday at Muan International Airport, marking South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster in decades.
Authorities in South Korea have initiated safety inspections on all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by the country’s airlines. The Transport Ministry announced a five-day review of maintenance and operational records for 101 planes, set to conclude on Friday, according to the Associated Press.
Crash and initial findings
Video footage showed the plane crash-landing without its landing gear deployed, overshooting the runway, and slamming into a concrete barrier before bursting into flames. Preliminary findings suggest the aircraft experienced engine trouble, compounded by a bird strike warning and a distress signal issued by the pilots. However, aviation experts suspect landing gear malfunctions as a likely primary cause.
John Hansman, an MIT aviation expert, linked the crash to potential hydraulic control system issues, while Najmedin Meshkati, a USC engineering professor, pointed to widespread electrical and hydraulic system failures affecting the landing gear and wing flaps.
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Meshkati also criticised the placement of a concrete wall near the runway’s end, calling it a hazardous design flaw. Investigators are expected to review flight data and cockpit voice recorders to determine the exact cause.
Government actions and airline measures
Jeju Air President Kim E-bae announced measures to enhance operational safety, including adding maintenance staff and reducing flight operations by 10-15% until March. Meanwhile, the Transport Ministry is reviewing whether Muan airport’s localiser, encased in a concrete fence, should have been constructed with lighter materials to minimise impact severity.
The crash prompted a seven-day national mourning period, ending January 4. The Transport Ministry confirmed that 175 victims have been identified, with DNA tests underway for the remaining five.
Grieving families have criticised authorities for delayed provision of promised freezer facilities, raising concerns about body decomposition. Park Han Shin, a representative for the victims’ families, accused officials of failing to preserve the dignity of the deceased, stating: “The last dignities of the victims are seriously hurt. We strongly criticise authorities for failing to keep its promise.”
The Boeing 737-800, a widely used aircraft with a strong safety record, is under scrutiny following the crash. Boeing, alongside US agencies, has dispatched a team of eight investigators to South Korea. Results from their onsite inspection are awaited.
This disaster has reignited debates about aviation safety standards and airport infrastructure in South Korea, with an urgent call for changes to prevent future tragedies.