Investigations into the tragic crash of Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 in South Korea last month have revealed that the flight recorders from the Boeing 737-800 stopped working minutes before the plane belly-landed and exploded on the runway, resulting in the loss of 179 lives. The incident, which occurred at Muan International Airport on December 29, is considered the country's deadliest aviation accident in almost three decades.
The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) ceased functioning approximately four minutes before the crash, leaving investigators puzzled as to why the devices failed to record crucial data leading up to the tragic event. The South Korean transport ministry has expressed its commitment to determining the cause of the accident through a thorough analysis of all available information.
Efforts to extract data from the damaged flight data recorder have been challenging, with the device missing a connector. The CVR was initially analyzed locally and later sent to the United States for further examination. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently assisting in the analysis of the FDR.
Footage of the crash revealed that the landing gear of the aircraft was not visible during the crash-landing, raising questions about the circumstances leading up to the emergency landing. The pilot had reportedly issued a mayday call and mentioned a possible bird strike, prompting speculation about the role of external factors in the incident.
Authorities have also raised concerns about the concrete embankment that the plane collided with upon landing, highlighting discrepancies in airport infrastructure standards. Investigations are ongoing, with experts anticipating a lengthy process to determine the root cause of the crash.
In response to the tragedy, South Korean police conducted raids on Jeju Air's office in Seoul and the operator of Muan International Airport as part of their investigative efforts. The aviation community awaits further updates as the investigation progresses to uncover the factors contributing to this devastating aviation disaster.
