(ProsperNews.net) – An ongoing investigation into the Jeju Air crash at Muan is challenging due to landing gear failure and black box data issues.
At a Glance
- The Jeju Air crash resulted in 179 fatalities.
- Flight data and cockpit voice recorders stopped functioning minutes before impact.
- The plane hit a concrete structure due to landing gear failure.
- U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is assisting with the investigation.
Crash Overview and Initial Findings
The tragic plane crash involving Jeju Air took place at Muan International Airport on December 29, killing 179 of the 181 onboard. This incident is the deadliest on South Korean soil. The flight overshot the runway and collided with a concrete structure, resulting in a catastrophic fire.
This disaster has raised serious concerns about airport infrastructure and safety measures. Investigations have revealed that the landing gear failed to deploy during an attempted go-around.
This incident unfolded shortly after a bird strike was reported to air traffic control. Pilots declared an emergency, but despite their efforts, the plane crash-landed. The localizer system, partly to blame, was constructed from unsuitable materials, compounding the damage and loss of life.
South Korea plane crash investigation underway, with Jeju Air jet's cockpit voice recorder heading to U.S. https://t.co/oubEhRfex0
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) January 1, 2025
Challenges in the Investigation
Both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder ceased to function four minutes before the crash, significantly hampering investigative efforts. These devices failed to document critical moments leading up to the accident, leaving many questions about mechanical issues unanswered.
The National Transportation Safety Board in the U.S. is working to retrieve missing black box information, as they play a crucial role in identifying causal factors. Local investigative efforts must now rely on eyewitness testimony, radar data, and air traffic control transmissions.
Death toll from the crash of a Jeju Air passenger plane during landing in South Korea has risen to 96
▪️ The plane failed to deploy its landing gear on the first attempt and crashed during an emergency landing on the second attempt
▪️ The aircraft veered off the runway and… pic.twitter.com/8uDMwRcIpn
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) December 29, 2024
Potential Repercussions and Next Steps
In addition to determining the technological failures, the investigation is scrutinizing the construction of the Muan airport’s structure. The localizer’s concrete housing has attracted criticism, as it magnified the crash’s devastation.
Experts and advocates call for a transparent investigation involving independent entities to ensure comprehensive accountability. The Ministry of Transportation guarantees transparency and vows to keep the victims’ families informed throughout the investigative process.
Transparent reporting and accountability are crucial. The South Korean government faces pressure to prevent future tragedies by improving aviation safety measures and infrastructure rigorously.
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