The tragic plane crash in Muan, South Korea, claimed 179 lives. Authorities are working tirelessly to uncover the causes and implications.
Identification of Victims Nearly Complete
South Korean authorities have identified 174 of the 179 victims from the devastating plane crash. The Ministry of Transport announced that some remains have already been returned to families for burial. Two crew members miraculously survived the tragic accident.
The runway at Muan Airport remains closed until January 7 to enable a thorough investigation. Experts from Boeing and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are collaborating with South Korean investigators on-site.
Wall Design Sparks Safety Concerns
A concrete wall located 250 meters beyond the runway has become a focal point in the investigation. Experts believe this structure may have contributed to the high number of fatalities.
The wall housed an antenna system designed to guide pilots during landings. Normally, such systems consist of flexible structures meant to collapse on impact. However, in Muan, the system was encased in a four-meter-high concrete wall. This unusual design has drawn sharp criticism from aviation specialists.
Song Byeong Heum, a South Korean aviation expert, explained that antennas should bend on impact to reduce damage. A pilot interviewed by Yonhap News stated the wall’s design did not align with international safety standards. In response, the airport justified the structure as necessary for the antenna system to function effectively. The Ministry of Transport also noted that similar walls exist at other South Korean airports.
Investigators Examine Flight Recorders and Bird Strike Theory
Recovery teams located both flight recorders from the crashed Boeing 737-800. The cockpit voice recorder remains intact, while the flight data recorder sustained damage. Experts are working to recover its data, which could take some time.
On the day of the crash, the Jeju Air flight from Bangkok attempted to land in Muan without deploying its landing gear. The aircraft skidded off the runway, collided with the wall, and burst into flames. Most passengers were South Koreans, along with two Thai nationals. Only two crew members survived the fiery crash.
Investigators suspect a bird strike shortly before landing may have triggered the crash. Air traffic controllers had warned the pilots about bird activity near the airport. Moments later, the pilots issued a Mayday call reporting a bird strike. However, it remains unclear how this incident could have disabled the landing gear.
Following the crash, South Korea’s government ordered inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by domestic airlines. The review affects six airlines and military aircraft of similar types. Investigators aim to ensure the safety of similar models in operation across the country.
