The investigation into the catastrophic Jeju Air crash, South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster, has taken a significant step forward with the retrieval of data from one of the plane’s black boxes. The cockpit voice recorder data has been successfully extracted and will be converted into an audio file for analysis. Meanwhile, the flight data recorder, damaged and missing a crucial connector, will be sent to the United States for decoding.
Insights Awaited from Black Boxes
Investigators are hopeful that data from the black boxes will shed light on the crucial moments leading up to the crash. South Korean experts will collaborate with the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on analyzing the data. NTSB officials have also been deployed to the crash site in Muan County, South Korea, to assist with the investigation.
Details of the Tragic Event
The Boeing 737-800, carrying 181 individuals, was en route from Bangkok to Muan International Airport when it crash-landed on Sunday. After overshooting the runway, it collided with a structure, exploded, and caught fire. The disaster claimed 179 lives, leaving only two crew members as survivors. Victims ranged in age from three to 78 years, with most in their 40s to 60s.
Investigative Focus
Key areas under scrutiny include potential bird strikes, weather conditions, and the role of a concrete wall at the runway’s end, which experts suggest may have worsened the crash’s impact.
Victims Identified and Mourning Declared
Authorities confirmed the identities of all victims using fingerprints and DNA. A seven-day national mourning period has been declared, and New Year’s celebrations were canceled or scaled down as a mark of respect.
Jeju Air’s Response
At a press conference, Jeju Air CEO Kim Yi-bae expressed profound sorrow, announced emergency compensation for victims’ families, and committed to covering funeral expenses. The airline also confirmed that pre-flight inspections had revealed no issues with the aircraft.
This tragedy has left the nation grieving and awaiting answers as investigators work to uncover the cause of the crash and prevent future occurrences.
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