US and Boeing Probe South Korean Plane Crash Site After Tragic Incident

SEOUL, South Korea — In the wake of the tragic crash of a Boeing 737-800 that claimed 179 lives, the South Korean government has initiated comprehensive safety inspections on all 101 such aircraft operated by local airlines.

U.S. investigators, including Boeing representatives, visited the crash site on Tuesday to begin their assessment. Of the 181 individuals aboard the ill-fated Jeju Air flight, only two survived. Eyewitness video captured the plane making a belly landing, failing to deploy landing gear before skidding off the runway at Muan International Airport, striking a concrete barrier, and igniting a fire.

Initial observations suggest engine problems preceded the accident. Ground control issued warnings about a potential bird strike, coupled with a distress signal from the pilots. Experts believe the inability to deploy landing gear likely contributed significantly to the crash.

The South Korean Transport Ministry has mandated five days of inspections focused on maintenance and operational protocols for the Boeing 737-800s, which will conclude Friday. This move aims to strengthen air travel safety in the wake of the disaster.

Meanwhile, Kim E-bae, president of Jeju Air, announced plans to bolster maintenance staff and curtail flight operations by 10-15% until March 2024 to enhance safety measures.

MIT aviation expert John Hansman pointed to hydraulic control system failures as a probable cause of the crash, suggesting that issues with landing gear and wing flaps were tied to a broader complication with aircraft control.

Najmedin Meshkati, an engineering professor with expertise in aviation safety, noted that while the Boeing 737-800 has a commendable safety track record, the crash indicated severe faults in electrical and hydraulic systems. He remains optimistic that crucial data from flight recorders will clarify the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Meshkati raised concerns about the airport’s design, specifically the solid concrete wall located just beyond the runway’s end, asserting that such barriers pose significant risks in the event of a runway overshoot.

Additionally, South Korean authorities are examining the construction of the airport’s localizer, which assists planes in landing, to determine if adjustments are necessary to minimize hazards in future incidents.

This crash marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korea in recent history, prompting a seven-day national mourning period until January 4. The Transport Ministry reported that 175 bodies have been identified, with DNA testing underway for the remaining five victims. Families have expressed frustration over delays in receiving their loved ones’ remains, with concerns about decomposition due to inadequate refrigeration.

Park Han Shin, representing the bereaved families, criticized the government for not delivering promised resources on time, voicing alarm about the respectful treatment of the deceased. “The last dignities of the victims are seriously hurt. We strongly criticize authorities for failing to keep their promise,” Park stated.

Contributions to this report were made by Associated Press writer David Koenig in Dallas.