Pre-flight checks found no issues, Jeju Air CEO says
A devastating air crash in South Korea has left the nation in mourning. On Sunday, a Jeju Air passenger plane crash-landed at Muan International Airport, resulting in the loss of 179 lives. The flight, which was traveling from Bangkok, failed to deploy its landing gear during the emergency landing. This incident marks one of the deadliest air disasters in South Korean history. As investigations unfold, many questions remain unanswered regarding the cause of the crash and the safety measures in place.
Pre-Flight Inspection Raises Questions
In the wake of the tragedy, Jeju Air has stated that a pre-flight inspection conducted hours before the flight found “no issues.” Kim Yi-bae, the airline’s CEO, emphasized that nothing abnormal was noted regarding the landing gear. This statement raises significant concerns as investigators delve into why the Boeing 737-800 did not have its landing gear down when it touched down on the runway. The aircraft skidded into a wall, bursting into flames and killing everyone on board except for two crew members.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to identify the victims and determine the cause of the crash. Many are speculating whether a bird strike or adverse weather conditions may have contributed to the incident. The plane made its emergency landing shortly after 09:00 local time, and the aftermath has left hundreds of grieving relatives at the airport, desperate for answers and closure.
Grieving Families Demand Answers
The emotional toll on the families of the victims is profound. Many relatives have been camping out at Muan International Airport, expressing their frustration over the slow identification process of their loved ones’ remains. So far, only a few victims’ bodies have been released to their families. The identification process is complicated due to the severe burns sustained in the fire following the crash.
Among the victims were passengers aged between three and 78, with most in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Two Thai nationals were also among the deceased. One heart-wrenching account comes from Maeng Gi-su, a 78-year-old man whose nephew and two grandsons were on the flight. They had traveled to Thailand to celebrate the end of college entrance exams. Maeng expressed his disbelief and sorrow, stating, “I can’t believe the entire family has just disappeared. My heart aches so much.”
Airline’s Commitment to Safety
In response to the tragedy, Jeju Air’s CEO Kim Yi-bae addressed concerns regarding the airline’s safety procedures. He assured the public that the aircraft would not have been cleared for takeoff without a thorough maintenance check. The airline employs a significant number of maintenance workers per aircraft and adheres to strict safety protocols. Kim stated that the company is committed to improving its safety record and has plans to reduce air traffic by 10-15% this winter to allow for more maintenance work.
Despite these assurances, the airline has faced scrutiny due to its history of fines and administrative actions over the past five years. Kim acknowledged this but emphasized that the company is dedicated to enhancing safety measures. He also mentioned that Jeju Air would cover the funeral costs for the victims and provide psychological support to the grieving families.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Implications
As investigators continue to examine the crash site, the runway at Muan International Airport will remain closed for another week. Forensic teams are working diligently to collect remains and debris. The investigation has begun to analyze the plane’s black boxes, which include the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder. However, a missing critical connector on the second device may complicate data extraction, potentially prolonging the investigation.
Officials are also reviewing regulations surrounding the concrete barrier that the plane collided with during the crash. The outcome of this investigation may lead to changes in safety regulations and protocols for airlines operating in South Korea. As the nation grapples with this tragedy, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind the crash and ensuring that such a disaster does not happen again.
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