South Korea to Send Flight Data Recorder to US for Analysis in Jeju Air Crash Probe
The South Korean government has announced that it will send the flight data recorder from the crashed Jeju Air plane to the United States for analysis, according to Yonhap News Agency. The exact timeline for the transfer will be decided in consultation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Flight Data Recorder Sustained External Damage
The flight recorder, retrieved earlier from the wreckage of the Jeju Air B737-800 aircraft at Muan International Airport, reportedly sustained some external damage. However, the authorities have already completed extracting data from the cockpit voice data recorder, found in a relatively better condition, and started converting it into voice files, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said earlier.
Boeing Investigators Join Probe
Meanwhile, two additional investigators from aviation manufacturer Boeing Co. have joined the on-site probe into the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport, government sources said. With these additions, the number of U.S. team members increased to 10, including six from Boeing and three from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.
US Team Expands Presence
According to sources, the US team expanded its presence to ensure a thorough examination of the accident. The US team arrived in South Korea on Monday and travelled directly to Muan, where it commenced its joint investigation with the Korean team led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport the following day. During their initial joint on-site investigation, investigators focused on a navigation system that assists in aircraft landings, known as a localizer.
Localizer Blamed for Exacerbating Casualties
The localizer, installed on a concrete structure at Muan International Airport, has been blamed for exacerbating the severity of casualties in the Jeju Air crash. The Jeju Air B737-800 aircraft belly-landed at the airport and exploded Sunday as it crashed into the structure, claiming 179 lives out of 181 passengers on board.
Conclusion
The investigation into the Jeju Air crash is ongoing, with the US and Korean teams working together to determine the causes of the accident. The sending of the flight data recorder to the US for analysis is a significant development in the probe, and it is expected to provide valuable insights into the events surrounding the crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the status of the investigation into the Jeju Air crash?
A: The investigation is ongoing, with the US and Korean teams working together to determine the causes of the accident.
Q: What is the significance of sending the flight data recorder to the US?
A: The sending of the flight data recorder to the US will provide valuable insights into the events surrounding the crash, and will help to determine the causes of the accident.
Q: How many US team members are involved in the investigation?
A: There are 10 US team members involved in the investigation, including six from Boeing and three from the US National Transportation Safety Board.