A Jeju Air plane crashed at Muan International Airport on 29 December 2024, killing 179 people. Investigators are now inspecting the two black boxes— the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder — to determine what caused the deadliest plane crash on South Korean soil. However, the flight data recorder is missing a crucial connector, making it harder to extract critical data, potentially prolonging the investigation.
Also Read: South Korea Plane Crash: Tragedy Strikes as 179 People Die in Jeju Air Flight Disaster
Investigating the Black Boxes
Authorities began investigating the black boxes soon after the crash. The cockpit voice recorder will provide audio from the flight deck, while the flight data recorder tracks flight parameters like altitude and airspeed. Unfortunately, the flight data recorder is incomplete due to the missing connector. This setback could delay the investigation, leaving families waiting for answers.
While the search for answers continues, some families have already started funeral proceedings. Four victims’ remains have been released for burial. However, many relatives are still waiting for the identification of their loved ones. Muan International Airport, where the crash occurred, remains closed until further notice, with forensic teams continuing to collect remains and debris.
Early Findings and International Assistance
The crash site has attracted investigators from various organisations, including the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and aircraft manufacturer Boeing. These experts joined local investigators in assessing wreckage and debris at the crash site, hoping to uncover clues about the cause of the tragedy. The team is mainly focused on identifying components that could offer insight into why the plane crashed.
A disturbing discovery has been made. Aviation experts have raised concerns about the presence of a concrete wall near the end of the runway. The plane collided with this structure before bursting into flames. According to air safety expert David Learmount, the crash might have been preventable had this wall not been present. He stated that if the obstruction had not been there, “the plane would have come to rest with most – possibly all – of those on board still alive.”
The Impact on Victims’ Families
The grief-stricken families of the victims have demanded more timely updates from Jeju Air. They are also pushing for quicker identification of the victims. Of the 179 people who died, five bodies remain unidentified due to DNA inconsistencies. Authorities are working hard to expedite the identification process by deploying rapid DNA analysers and adding extra personnel to their team.
Angry families gathered at Muan International Airport, where they voiced their frustration. One relative shared that the bodies of his grandsons, who both died in the crash, were “too scattered to be recognised.” The authorities continue to assist with the identification process, though it remains an ongoing challenge.
Survivors’ Accounts
Two crew members— a man and a woman— survived the crash, marking an extraordinary feat of survival in what is considered South Korea’s deadliest air disaster. The survivors were found in the wreckage after a lengthy rescue operation. The man has reportedly regained consciousness and is “fully able to communicate,” as hospital officials stated. The second survivor was rescued from the tail section of the plane.
Investigating the Cause of the Crash
The reason of the plane crash remains under investigation. One theory suggests that a bird strike could have contributed to the incident. At 08:59, just before the crash, the pilot declared a “mayday” and reported a bird strike. The aircraft was forced to abandon its initial landing attempt and make a go-around. However, the plane struggled to regain control and crash-landed.
Geoffrey Thomas, an aviation expert, expressed scepticism about the bird strike being the sole cause of the crash. “Typically, bird strikes don’t cause the loss of an airplane by themselves,” Thomas told Reuters. Experts are also considering other factors, such as possible control system failure or pilot actions.
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-800, a widely used model with a strong safety record. Jeju Air, South Korea’s largest budget airline, has had an excellent safety record prior to this incident. The airline’s CEO stated that the crash was not due to “any maintenance issues.”
Questions Raised About the Airport Design
Another point of concern is the design of Muan International Airport. The presence of a raised structure near the runway has raised questions. This structure, which is part of a system designed to help planes land, might have contributed to the severity of the crash. Investigators are looking into whether the proximity of this structure played a role in the disaster.
Chris Kingswood, a pilot with 48 years of experience, commented on the structure, calling it “unusual” and “rigid.” Experts are now questioning whether this feature of the airport contributed to the plane’s crash.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
South Korea’s National Fire Agency and police have been working tirelessly to recover remains and investigate the wreckage. More than 1,500 emergency personnel have been deployed to the site, including fire staff, police officers, and forensic experts. They are combing the area surrounding the airport to ensure that no parts of the plane or victims have been overlooked.
The South Korean government has declared a seven-day national mourning period in response to the crash. This has led to the cancellation of many New Year’s Day celebrations. In addition, the acting president has ordered an emergency safety inspection of the country’s entire airline industry.
Conclusion
The investigation into the Jeju Air crash is still in its early stages. As authorities continue to search for answers, families of the victims demand more information and timely updates. The crash has not only devastated the victims’ families but also raised critical questions about aviation safety, airport design, and the airline industry’s practices. As experts dig deeper into the causes of the disaster, it remains to be seen how these lessons will shape future safety measures in the airline industry.