Ongoing Investigation and Recovery Efforts Following Jeju Air Crash in South Korea

Authorities in South Korea have commenced the recovery operation for the wreckage of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 that tragically crashed during its landing approach. The incident, which occurred at Muan International Airport, resulted in the loss of 179 lives out of the 181 passengers and crew on board.

Flight 2216 was returning to South Korea from Bangkok when it belly-landed on January 1, 2025. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, with initial theories pointing towards potential factors such as a bird strike, malfunctioning landing gear, or a barrier located at the runway's end.

The South Korean Transport Ministry has announced an extension of the investigative timeline, now set to conclude on January 10, in order to facilitate a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the crash. This extension comes as the engine manufacturer, GE Aerospace, has joined the investigative efforts, further expanding the team involved.

On the first day of the wreckage clearance operation, investigators utilized cranes to lift significant sections of the aircraft's fuselage. Na Won-ho, the head of the investigation team, mentioned that they would begin with the tail section, where they anticipate recovering remains.

Officials have acknowledged that many of the victims' bodies sustained severe damage due to the catastrophic nature of the incident. While recovery efforts are challenging, authorities have successfully identified all 179 victims. Some of the remains have already been returned to their families for burial.

Family members of the deceased have visited the crash site to pay their respects and retrieve personal belongings of their loved ones. The nation is in mourning as it grapples with the tragedy of the Muan plane crash.

As the investigation unfolds, questions remain regarding the aircraft's failure to deploy its landing gear and the pilot's decision to attempt a second landing after declaring an emergency due to a suspected bird strike. The South Korean police executed a search and seizure operation at Muan International Airport as part of the efforts to ascertain the precise cause of the accident.

The investigative team now includes 23 members, comprising 12 South Korean investigators along with representatives from Boeing and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) from the United States. The collaboration aims to piece together the events leading to the crash, as authorities examine maintenance records and the adequacy of repairs conducted by the airline.

As the recovery and investigative processes continue, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind this devastating incident and providing closure to the families affected.