Mon Dec 30 23:32:24 UTC 2024: ## South Korea Investigates Deadly Jeju Air Crash

**Muan, South Korea –** A Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air crashed and burned at Muan International Airport on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of 179 of the 181 people on board. This marks South Korea’s worst aviation disaster in decades. The two survivors were crew members rescued from the tail section.

The plane, flight 7C 2216 from Bangkok, Thailand, experienced a failed landing attempt, followed by a reported bird strike warning from air traffic control. After a second attempted landing, the aircraft issued a distress signal before touching down without its nose landing gear deployed. The plane overshot the runway, striking a concrete fence and igniting in a fireball.

While initial reports suggested potential engine trouble and a possible bird strike, investigators are focusing on a landing gear malfunction as the primary cause of the crash. The proximity of a concrete fence with antennas near the runway end is also under scrutiny, with experts questioning whether lighter materials could have mitigated the impact. Investigators are examining flight data recorders (“black boxes”) and cockpit voice recordings, which are expected to provide crucial information.

South Korean authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation and ordered inspections of all 737-800 aircraft operated domestically. While Jeju Air maintains the crash wasn’t due to maintenance issues, and experts note the airline and aircraft model have strong safety records, the investigation will explore all possibilities, including potential communication problems between the pilot and air traffic control.

Aviation experts emphasize that while a bird strike is not uncommon and unlikely to be the sole cause of a crash, the lack of deployed flaps observed in videos of the crash suggests potential hydraulic pressure failure. However, the possibility of manual gear deployment remains a key question.

The investigation, expected to last months, will determine the precise cause of the crash. While the incident occurs amidst Boeing’s recent struggles, experts stress that the age of the aircraft (15 years old) makes manufacturing or design flaws less likely.

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