South Korea’s Choi orders immediate action on aircraft inspection following fatal Jeju Air incident
Acting President Choi Sang-mok has issued an urgent directive for a comprehensive inspection of all aircraft operating in South Korea following the tragic crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 at Muan International Airport on Sunday. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of 179 people, has prompted a full-scale investigation and a national review of aviation safety protocols.
The Jeju Air flight, carrying 185 passengers and crew, was attempting to land at Muan amidst challenging weather conditions when it reportedly experienced difficulties. Initial reports suggest the aircraft may have executed a hard landing, impacting the runway and subsequently catching fire. The ensuing blaze engulfed the plane, leaving only six survivors. This marks the country’s most devastating aviation disaster in recent history, prompting immediate governmental action.
President Choi, addressing the nation in a televised press conference, expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to aviation safety. “This tragic incident has deeply saddened the entire nation,” he stated. “We must thoroughly investigate the cause of this accident and implement all necessary measures to prevent such a devastating loss of life from ever happening again.”
The immediate action ordered by President Choi includes a meticulous inspection of all aircraft across all South Korean airlines. This inspection will encompass a detailed review of maintenance logs, adherence to safety regulations, pilot training records, and operational procedures. Special attention will be paid to aircraft of similar age and model to the crashed Boeing 737-800.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) is leading the crash investigation, collaborating with international experts, including investigators from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), commonly known as the “black boxes,” have been recovered and are currently being analyzed. These devices are expected to provide crucial insights into the final moments of the flight and the circumstances leading to the crash.
While the investigation is still in its preliminary stages, several potential factors are being considered. Weather conditions at Muan International Airport at the time of the landing were reportedly unfavorable, with strong crosswinds and reduced visibility due to heavy rain. Investigators are examining weather data, air traffic control communications, and pilot performance to determine the role these factors may have played in the accident.
Mechanical failure is another key area of focus. Investigators are meticulously examining the wreckage of the aircraft, looking for any signs of pre-existing mechanical issues or malfunctions that could have contributed to the crash. The aircraft’s maintenance history is also being thoroughly reviewed.