In brief
Following the tragic crash of a Jeju Air flight in South Korea that resulted in 179 fatalities, it has been revealed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders stopped recording just four minutes prior to the disaster. As questions abound, investigators are examining various factors, including a possible bird strike and weather conditions, contributing to the crash which has left families in anguish over their loved ones.
Flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the ill-fated Jeju Air flight that tragically crashed last month, killing 179 individuals, have been found to be missing crucial recordings from the final four minutes before the disaster, as revealed by South Korea's transport ministry. This incident marks the deadliest air accident in South Korean history, with only two cabin crew members surviving.While investigators initially hoped that the data stored in the "black boxes" would shed light on the critical moments leading up to the crash, the absence of this key information raises more questions than answers. The ministry has vowed to investigate why the recorders ceased operation before the catastrophic event. Originally assessed in South Korea, the recorders were later sent to the United States for further analysis by American safety regulators upon discovering the missing data. The crash occurred on December 29, when the aircraft, traveling from Bangkok, struggled to land safely at Muan International Airport, impacting a wall beyond the runway and igniting into flames.Sim Jai-dong, a former transport ministry investigator, expressed surprise at the loss of such significant data, implying that the incident may have resulted in a complete power loss, including to backup systems. Investigators are also exploring several theories, including whether a bird strike or adverse weather conditions may have played a role in the tragedy. As the investigation continues, another troubling aspect is the failure of the Boeing 737-800 to deploy its landing gear upon impact, raising further questions about the pre-flight checks, which reportedly indicated no issues before the flight took off. Families of the victims remain in limbo, grappling with grief as they await clear answers about the crash.
