Investigators are scratching their heads as the mystery surrounding the Jeju Air crash deepens. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders, often called the “black boxes,” stopped recording just four minutes before the aircraft crashed into a concrete structure at South Korea’s Muan airport on December 29.
The tragic accident claimed the lives of 179 people, marking it as one of the worst disasters on South Korean soil. According to the transport ministry, authorities are now investigating why the black boxes ceased recording during those critical final moments.
The voice recorder was initially analyzed in South Korea, but when data was found missing, it was sent to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board for further examination. The damaged flight data recorder was also taken to the United States for analysis.
What We Know So Far
Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 had departed from Bangkok, Thailand, heading to Muan in southwestern South Korea. As it approached the regional airport, the pilots reported a bird strike and declared an emergency about four minutes before the crash.
Air traffic control had cautioned the pilots about “bird activity” just two minutes before the emergency was declared. Attempting to abort the landing, the pilots initiated a go-around. However, instead of making a full circle to approach the runway again, the Boeing 737-800 took a sharp turn and approached from the opposite end. Tragically, the plane crash-landed without deploying its landing gear, overshot the runway, and exploded into flames after hitting an embankment.
Only two crew members sitting in the tail section survived the crash, rescued with injuries.
The Investigation Continues
Sim Jai-dong, a former transport ministry accident investigator, expressed surprise at the missing data, suggesting that all power, including backups, may have been cut—an occurrence he described as rare. The transport ministry assured that other available data would be used in the investigation, pledging transparency and regular updates to the victims’ families.
Some family members have called for independent experts to be involved in the investigation, voicing concerns over the transport ministry leading the probe. They hope for a comprehensive analysis that includes experts recommended by the families themselves.
In addition to the black box mystery, investigators are also examining the embankment that the aircraft struck. The structure, designed to support the airport’s “localizer” system which aids in landings, is being scrutinized for its proximity to the runway and the rigid materials used in its construction.
Awaiting Answers
The missing black box data adds another layer of complexity to an already tragic event. As the investigation unfolds, authorities and families alike are seeking answers to prevent such disasters in the future.
Reference(s):
Ministry: Jeju Air 'black box' data missing from minutes before crash
cgtn.com
