Investigation into South Korea's Fatal Plane Crash Faces Setback

The crash of Jeju Air's flight, which resulted in 179 fatalities, has raised serious questions as recorders stopped capturing data just minutes before the disaster. Investigators are delving deeper into possible causes amid frustrations over the missing data.

 

Flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the Jeju Air crash that resulted in the deaths of 179 people last month have stopped recording four minutes before the disaster, as reported by South Korea's transport ministry. This incident marks the deadliest air accident on Korean soil, with only two cabin crew members surviving. Investigators had hoped to glean vital insights from the black boxes regarding the moments leading up to the crash.

The ministry plans to investigate why the recorders ceased functionality during this critical period. Initially examined in South Korea, the data was later sent to the United States for further analysis by American safety regulators when it was discovered that the final moments of recording were missing.

On December 29, the flight was making its way from Bangkok when it crash-landed at Muan International Airport, touching down approximately a third of the way down the runway without its landing gear extended. Upon impact, the plane slid into a wall, which led to a fire erupting.

Sim Jai-dong, a former transport ministry accident investigator, expressed surprise at the loss of such significant data. He suggested this could indicate a total failure of the aircraft's power, including backup systems. Investigators continue to explore various hypotheses regarding the crash, including whether a bird strike or adverse weather conditions might have contributed, and they are questioning why the Boeing 737-800's landing gear was not deployed at the time of landing.

Following the tragedy, families of victims are still anxiously waiting for the remains of their loved ones, while the investigation remains ongoing, filled with unanswered questions about the crash.