As data from the black boxes of the crashed Jeju Air plane undergoes analysis, investigators hope to uncover vital details about the disaster that claimed 179 lives, including factors like bird strikes and runway conditions.
Insights Emerge from Jeju Air Crash Investigation as Black Box Data is Analyzed
Insights Emerge from Jeju Air Crash Investigation as Black Box Data is Analyzed
Investigators in South Korea progress in their examination of the Jeju Air disaster, with data extracted from the black boxes shedding light on the grave incident.
Investigators have completed the extraction of data from one of the black boxes involved in the tragic Jeju Air plane crash that occurred on Sunday. As announced by South Korea's transport ministry, the cockpit voice recorder's data is set to be converted into an audio file for further examination, while the second black box, a flight data recorder, is being sent to the United States for detailed analysis due to its damage and lack of a necessary connector for local decoding.
Authorities are optimistic that the information retrieved from both black boxes will help clarify the final moments leading to the catastrophic incident. Tragically, the crash resulted in 179 fatalities, making it the most devastating aviation disaster in South Korean history when the Boeing 737-800, coming from Bangkok, crash-landed at Muan International Airport, careening into a concrete wall before bursting into flames. Out of all passengers aboard, only two crew members survived.
The investigation is examining potential contributing factors, such as a possible bird strike or adverse weather, and is scrutinizing the concrete wall at the runway’s edge, which experts believe might have worsened the impact. Confirmation from Yonhap news agency indicated that the deceased passengers varied in age from three to 78 years, with the majority falling between their 40s and 60s. While two Thai nationals were identified among the victims, the rest are thought to be South Korean residents.
Identification of the victims was a prolonged process, requiring fingerprint and DNA analysis paired with saliva samples gathered from bereaved family members due to the extent of injuries sustained. As of Wednesday, acting president Choi Sang-mok revealed that all 179 victims had been identified, prompting a nationwide mourning period of seven days and the cancellation of various New Year's Day celebrations.
During a recent press conference, Jeju Air CEO Kim Yi-bae committed to providing emergency compensation to the victims' families, including full coverage of funeral expenses. He reinforced that prior to the flight, the aircraft had passed inspection without any noted issues, while acknowledging that investigations into the crash's cause are still actively pursued.
