Wed Jan 01 05:41:41 UTC 2025: **South Korea Jeju Air Crash: Black Box Data Recovery Underway, All Victims Identified**

Seoul, South Korea – Investigators have begun analyzing data from the cockpit voice recorder of the Boeing 737-800 that crashed in South Korea on December 29th, 2024, killing 179 people. The plane, Jeju Air Flight 2216, was en route from Bangkok, Thailand when it crashed at Muan International Airport. Two flight attendants survived.

Deputy Minister for civil aviation Joo Jong-wan announced on Wednesday, January 1st, 2025, that initial data extraction from the cockpit voice recorder is complete, and conversion to audio format is underway. The flight data recorder was also recovered, but is missing a connector, requiring further work for data retrieval.

The investigation, involving South Korean, U.S. (NTSB), and Boeing officials, is examining multiple potential causes. Initial speculation focused on a possible bird strike, but the investigation now also includes examination of a concrete barrier at the runway’s end that the plane collided with, and possible mechanical failures related to landing gear deployment.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok announced on Wednesday that the identification of all 179 victims has been completed, allowing families to begin funeral arrangements. The process was hampered by the extensive damage to the bodies.

The investigation is focusing on the localizer navigation system at Muan Airport, and a full account of the crash is expected once the black box data is fully analyzed. Memorials for the victims have been established across the country.

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