ALBAWABA - Following the devastating Jeju Air accident at Muan International Airport, which perished 179 lives and marked one of the country's worst aviation catastrophes, South Korea has begun a thorough investigation of all Boeing 737-800 aircrafts used by local carriers.
The plane, which was coming from Thailand, slid into a concrete wall and then caught fire after failing to deploy its landing gear. Two crew members were rescued from the debris after surviving the collision, while all other passengers were tragically killed in the incident, according to CNBC.
During a visit to the accident scene, Acting President Choi Sang-mok promised full support for victim identification and family support. In addition to ordering an urgent assessment of South Korea's aviation safety procedures, he announced an immediate probe into the accident's cause. As the nation began a week of grief, flags were down all around the country.
More than 100 Boeing 737-800 airplanes operated by six local carriers are undergoing a thorough examination by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT), FT reports citing a televised briefing by an official at the transport ministry. Investigations are expected to conclude by January 2025, with an emphasis on vital components including engines and landing gear.
The existence of a concrete wall close to the runway is also being investigated by investigators as a possible infraction of international aviation safety regulations.
South Korean officials are working with the Federal Aviation Administration, Boeing, engine maker CFM International, and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board on the investigation. According to preliminary investigations, just before making an emergency landing, the pilot reported a bird attack and issued a mayday, CNBC reports.
The flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, both black boxes, have been found and are being examined.
Public anxiety increased on Monday when another Jeju Air 737-800 was forced to return to Seoul's Gimpo Airport because of a landing gear warning. The airline had widespread flight disruptions of almost 68,000 flights, and its stock fell 16% intraday before ending 8.7% down, according to FT. Jeju Air has refuted claims of maintenance failures and says that it conforms with all safety rules.
