A tragic plane crash in South Korea has left 179 people dead, with only two survivors out of the 181 individuals on board the Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air. The incident occurred at Muan International Airport, where the aircraft crash-landed without its landing gear deployed, overshooting the runway and colliding with a concrete fence before bursting into flames.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the pilots received a bird strike warning and issued a distress signal, but experts believe that the main cause of the crash was likely related to landing gear issues. In response, the South Korean government has initiated safety inspections on all 101 Boeing 737-800s in the country, focusing on maintenance and operation records during a five-day period.
An eight-member U.S. investigative team, including representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, and Boeing, visited the crash site to gather information. While the exact findings are pending, aviation experts speculate that a hydraulic control system malfunction may have contributed to the tragedy.
Jeju Air's president announced plans to enhance aircraft safety by increasing maintenance staff and reducing flight operations temporarily. The Boeing 737-800, a widely used aircraft model with a strong safety record, is under scrutiny for potential system failures affecting location broadcasting, landing gear operation, and wing flap extension.
The crash has prompted questions about the airport's infrastructure, particularly the presence of a solid wall near the runway end. Concerns have been raised about the design of the localizer, a concrete fence housing antennas meant to guide landings, and whether lighter materials should have been used for improved safety.
The tragic incident has led to a national mourning period in South Korea, with authorities working to identify the victims through DNA testing due to the severe condition of the bodies. Families of the deceased have criticized delays in providing proper facilities for preserving the remains, expressing concerns about potential decomposition.
