South Korean officials investigate the fatal crash of a Jeju Air jet that took 179 lives, amidst scrutiny of airport safety standards. The former president of the managing corporation, Son Chang-wan, was found dead, labeled as an apparent suicide, raising concerns about the pressure tied to the incident.
# Muan Airport Tragedy: Former Official Found Dead Following Aviation Disaster
# Muan Airport Tragedy: Former Official Found Dead Following Aviation Disaster
The investigation continues into last month's catastrophic plane crash at Muan International Airport, leading to the mysterious death of Son Chang-wan, former head of Korea Airports Corporation.
The former president of Korea Airports Corporation, which manages Muan International Airport, was found dead in a presumed suicide following a devastating plane crash that killed 179 individuals last month. Son Chang-wan, who oversaw renovations at the airport prior to the disaster, was discovered at his residence near Seoul. While police have ruled out foul play, his death brings to light the intense scrutiny surrounding the safety of South Korean aviation.
The incident occurred on December 29 when Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed into a concrete wall at Muan airport, designed to guide landings. Investigations are now focused on the crash's causes, particularly the concrete barrier, which critics argue could have been constructed to be more forgiving in a crash scenario. The Jeonnam Provincial Police have clarified that Mr. Son is not under investigation regarding the crash, despite his significant role in airport management during critical renovation phases.
The government-owned Korea Airports Corporation operates multiple airports in South Korea and has faced growing criticism regarding safety protocols after seven airports, including Muan, were cited for not meeting expected safety standards. Following the disaster, the transport ministry has committed to replacing the problematic concrete structure with a more flexible design and expanding safety zones at runways.
A joint investigation involving South Korean, American, and Boeing aviation officials is underway, but complications arose when the aircraft’s flight recorder malfunctioned minutes prior to the crash, hampering recovery efforts. Additional scrutiny has fallen upon Jeju Air, with authorities preventing the airline's CEO from departing the country as the investigation continues. The Muan International Airport is set to remain closed until necessary safety upgrades are completed by mid-April.
