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South Korean authorities are investigating whether a concrete barrier at the end of Muan airport’s runway contributed to the nation’s deadliest air disaster, which claimed 179 lives when a Jeju Air jet crashed during landing.
On Tuesday, U.S. investigators, including Boeing representatives, joined South Korean officials at the crash site to analyze the two black boxes recovered from the charred remains of the aircraft.
The flight, carrying 181 passengers from Thailand to South Korea, issued a mayday call before belly-landing and colliding with the barrier, igniting flames that left only two surviving flight attendants.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok called the tragedy a “turning point” for national air safety, urging an urgent review and overhaul of aviation protocols. “We must thoroughly reassess the entire aircraft operation system and address any required improvements immediately,” Choi stated.
Initially, officials speculated that a bird strike might have triggered the crash, but attention has since shifted to the role of the barrier. Video footage captured the dramatic moment the Boeing 737-800 burst into flames on impact.
Kim Hong-rak, Director-General for Airport Policy, noted that regulations surrounding the barrier’s composition are under review. Deputy Minister for Civil Aviation Joo Jong-wan emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation, avoiding premature conclusions on the crash’s cause.
Jeju Air CEO Addresses Aircraft Maintenance
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae confirmed no irregularities during the aircraft’s maintenance process. However, he refrained from commenting on whether the landing gear malfunctioned, stating it was part of the ongoing investigation.
In response to the tragedy, South Korea declared a seven-day mourning period, cancelling New Year’s celebrations and lowering flags to half-mast.
Memorials and Grieving Families
The bodies of crash victims began returning to families on Tuesday, as soldiers searched nearby fields and mourners left offerings at Muan airport. “Captain and crew, thank you for your efforts to save the passengers. I pray for your eternal peace,” read one heartfelt letter placed near the perimeter.
Transport Minister Park Sang-woo announced that four victims’ remains had been released for funeral services, with others still undergoing identification. Some funerals for identified victims began on Tuesday.
Heartbreaking Losses
One family lost nine members, including the oldest passenger, celebrating his birthday on his first international trip, as reported by local broadcaster KBC. His wife, children, and grandchildren perished, leaving behind a grieving son-in-law.
Memorials for victims have been erected across the nation, including in Seoul and at Muan airport.
Black Box Analysis Underway
Most passengers were South Korean holidaymakers returning from Bangkok, with only two Thai nationals on board.
Deputy Civil Aviation Minister Joo stated that initial cleaning of the black box had been completed, but the flight data recorder’s storage unit remains under assessment due to a missing connector. Technical experts are working to extract critical data to uncover the flight’s final moments.
