South Korea’s transport ministry has extended inspections of all 101 Boeing 737-800 jets operated by the nation’s airlines following the country’s worst aviation disaster in recent history. The inspections, initially set to conclude on Friday, have been extended to January 10, a ministry official announced on Friday, without specifying the reason for the delay.
The heightened safety measures come in the wake of Sunday’s fatal crash involving a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800. The flight, traveling from Bangkok to Muan County in southwestern South Korea, overshot the runway during a belly landing, struck an embankment, and burst into flames. The tragedy claimed the lives of 179 people.
The transport ministry is conducting thorough checks on engines, landing gear, and maintenance records for all 737-800 jets. Airlines found in serious violation of safety protocols may face operational suspensions, the ministry stated.
Additionally, an emergency meeting was held with the chief executives of 11 airlines, including Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines, to discuss enhanced safety measures. The ministry is urging the aviation sector to prioritise rigorous safety compliance to prevent future disasters.
South Korea’s investigation team is collaborating with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to analyse the flight data recorder of the crashed aircraft. Two team members are scheduled to travel to the United States next week for this purpose.
Investigators are also examining the wreckage, interviewing airport control tower officials, and analyzing data from 107 recovered mobile phones, including text messages, for potential clues about the crash.
Unanswered questions remain, including why the landing gear failed to deploy and what prompted the pilot to attempt a second emergency landing after reporting a bird strike to air traffic control.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok has urged investigators to expedite evidence collection and analyse the plane’s voice recorder to uncover the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, police have raided Jeju Air’s offices and Muan International Airport, banning Jeju Air’s CEO Kim E-bae and another official from leaving the country as part of the ongoing investigation.
The crash has sent shockwaves through South Korea’s aviation industry, prompting heightened scrutiny of safety protocols and operational practices. With the extended inspections and collaborative investigative efforts, the country aims to restore public trust and prevent such a tragedy from recurring.
Melissa Enoch
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