Investigation into South Korean Jet Crash Continues
Black Box Analysis to Be Conducted in the United States
South Korean investigators are working to uncover the causes of the devastating Jeju Air crash, which resulted in the loss of 179 lives. The disaster, which occurred on Sunday, has been described as the worst aviation disaster on South Korean soil.
Black Box Analysis
According to South Korea’s deputy minister for civil aviation, Joo Jong-wan, one of the black boxes retrieved from the crash site is being sent to the United States for analysis. The flight data recorder, which was damaged in the crash, has been deemed unrecoverable for data extraction domestically. "It was agreed today to transport it to the United States for analysis in collaboration with the US National Transportation Safety Board," Joo said.
Preliminary Findings
Preliminary data from the cockpit voice recorder has already been extracted, and investigators plan to convert it into an audio format, allowing them to hear the pilots’ final communications. However, the second black box, the flight data recorder, was found with a missing connector, and experts are currently working to determine how to extract data from it.
Possible Causes of the Crash
Initially, officials pointed to a bird strike as a possible cause of the disaster, but they have since said that the probe is also examining a concrete barrier at the end of the runway, which dramatic video showed the Boeing 737-800 colliding with before bursting into flames. The investigation is also looking into the possibility of a mechanical failure in the crash, with a special inspection of all Boeing 737-800 models operated by local carriers examining their landing gear.
Landing Gear Inspections
The ongoing inspections are focusing mainly on the landing gear, which failed to deploy properly in this case. Local media reported that the landing gear had deployed properly on Jeju Air Flight 2216’s first failed landing attempt at Muan airport before failing on the second. The issue will likely be examined by the Accident Investigation Board through a comprehensive review of various testimonies and evidence during the investigation process.
Victim Identification
At Muan airport, grieving families of victims had become increasingly frustrated by delays in identifying and releasing the bodies. Officials have said that the bodies were extensively damaged by the crash, making the work of identifying remains slow and immensely difficult. However, the country’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has announced that the process has finally been completed, and more bodies have been handed over to relatives so that they can hold funerals.
Conclusion
The investigation into the causes of the Jeju Air crash is ongoing, and it is expected that a fuller account of what went wrong in the flight’s final moments will be revealed once authorities have analyzed the black boxes. Memorial altars for the victims have been set up nationwide, including in Seoul and at Muan airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What caused the Jeju Air crash?
The cause of the crash is still unknown, but officials are examining several possible factors, including a bird strike, a concrete barrier at the end of the runway, and a possible mechanical failure. - How many people were killed in the crash?
179 people were killed in the crash. - What is being done to identify the victims?
The process of identifying the victims has been slow and difficult due to the extensive damage to the bodies. However, the country’s acting president has announced that the process has finally been completed, and more bodies have been handed over to relatives. - What is the status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to analyze the black boxes and determine the cause of the crash.