Investigation Focuses on Embankment in Jeju Air Crash in South Korea
Authorities in South Korea are continuing their investigation into the tragic crash of a Jeju Air flight at Muan International Airport, which resulted in the loss of 177 lives. The plane, a Boeing 737-800, attempted an emergency landing without deploying its landing gear, skidding off the runway and colliding with an embankment shortly after making a distress call.
The embankment, composed of dirt and concrete, has come under scrutiny, with initial reports suggesting it may have contributed to the severity of the crash. Investigators noted that the embankment was situated closer to the runway than recommended by international safety standards, raising questions about the airport's compliance with safety protocols.
As efforts continue to identify the victims, including five individuals whose identities remain unknown, US investigators have joined the South Korean team. This includes representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, and Boeing, who are assisting in the fact-finding mission.
The Transport Ministry of South Korea announced that they had recovered both parts of the aircraft's black box, although the cockpit data recorder had sustained damage. Authorities are now working to extract usable flight data from it, while simultaneously initiating retrieval of audio from the cockpit voice recorder.
In light of this incident, the South Korean government has ordered a comprehensive safety inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operating in the country. This precautionary measure is expected to conclude by early January.
Experts have suggested that the incident may have been caused by hydraulic issues, which could explain the failure to deploy the landing gear and flaps during the landing attempt. Additionally, there were warnings of a potential bird strike during the flight, which could have further complicated the situation.
Following the crash, Jeju Air's President announced the company would be enhancing safety measures, including increasing maintenance staff and reducing flight operations by 10-15% until March. This move is part of a broader strategy to improve safety protocols in the wake of the incident.
As the nation mourns the victims, many New Year's Eve celebrations have been canceled, reflecting a somber atmosphere across the country. The government has declared a week of national mourning, lasting until January 4, as families come to terms with their losses.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with officials and aviation experts emphasizing the importance of understanding the factors that led to this catastrophic event. The focus on the embankment raises significant concerns about airport safety standards and the need for stringent adherence to international regulations in the aviation sector.
