Seoul: South Korean authorities raided the offices of Jeju Air and Muan International Airport’s operator on Thursday, intensifying investigations into Sunday’s catastrophic plane crash that claimed 179 lives. The disaster marks the deadliest aviation incident in South Korean history.
The Jeju Air flight, 7C2216, was en route from Bangkok to Muan in southwestern South Korea when it belly-landed, overshot the runway, and erupted into flames upon colliding with an embankment. Two crew members seated in the tail of the Boeing 737-800 were rescued alive but sustained injuries.
The South Jeolla provincial police confirmed that searches were conducted at the airline’s Seoul headquarters, the airport operator’s offices in Muan, and the transportation ministry’s aviation authority. Investigators seized documents related to aircraft maintenance, flight operations, and airport facility management.
A Jeju Air representative stated the airline is reviewing the situation, while the airport operator has not yet commented.
Safety Concerns Spotlighted
Air safety experts have raised questions about the embankment’s design, criticizing its proximity to the runway and rigidity. Najmedin Meshkati, an engineering professor at the University of Southern California, called the concrete structure a “catastrophic” element in the crash, noting that such installations typically use metal towers or pylons for navigation equipment.
The probe involves South Korean authorities, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Boeing. Investigators aim to determine why the aircraft’s landing gear was not deployed and what prompted the pilot to rush a second landing attempt after reporting a bird strike and declaring an emergency.
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Flight Data Under Analysis
The aircraft’s flight data recorder, damaged in the crash, has been sent to the U.S. for analysis with the NTSB’s assistance. Conversion of the cockpit voice recorder data is expected by Friday, which could reveal critical insights into the flight’s final moments.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok noted that releasing the audio files to the public might not be possible due to their significance in the ongoing investigation. During a disaster management meeting, Choi urged comprehensive inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft in operation across South Korea, focusing on maintenance, training, and operational safety.
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Support for Families and Crackdown on Misinformation
Choi emphasized support for the victims’ families during the handover of remains and directed police to address malicious social media content and fake news related to the tragedy.
Investigators from the NTSB, FAA, and Boeing are actively collaborating with South Korean officials to uncover the causes behind this devastating aviation accident.
