A team of U.S. investigators, including representatives from Boeing, visited the site of a tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Tuesday. The crash, involving a Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air, claimed the lives of 179 people, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korea in decades.
Authorities reported that the aircraft, carrying 181 people, crash-landed on its belly without deploying its landing gear. It overshot the runway and collided with a concrete fence before bursting into flames. Preliminary investigations indicate the plane experienced engine trouble, and pilots had received a bird strike warning before issuing a distress signal. However, experts believe the failure of the landing gear played a central role in the crash.
In response, South Korea’s Transport Ministry has initiated safety inspections of all 101 Boeing 737-800s operated in the country. These inspections, focusing on maintenance and operational records, will continue until Friday. Jeju Air has announced plans to enhance safety measures, including reducing flight operations by up to 15% and increasing its maintenance workforce.
The U.S. investigation team, comprising officials from the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, and Boeing, is collaborating with South Korean authorities to analyze data from the plane’s flight recorders. Early assessments suggest issues with the aircraft’s hydraulic and electrical systems, which may have prevented the deployment of landing gear and wing flaps.
Experts have also raised concerns about the presence of a solid concrete fence near the runway’s end, questioning whether its design contributed to the severity of the crash. South Korean officials plan to investigate whether lighter, breakable materials should be used for such structures.
The crash has prompted a seven-day national mourning period, with families of the victims expressing frustration over delays in handling the bodies. DNA testing is being conducted to identify the remaining victims due to the extent of the damage.
“This is a devastating moment for all of us,” said Park Han Shin, a representative for the bereaved families, criticizing authorities for logistical failures that have compounded the tragedy.
Investigations are ongoing, and findings from the flight data and cockpit voice recorders are expected to provide critical insights into the disaster.
