US Experts Examine Deadly South Korea Plane Crash/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ WASHINGTON/ Morning Edition/ U.S. and South Korean investigators, including Boeing representatives, are examining the deadly crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 that killed 179 people. Preliminary findings suggest landing gear failure as a primary cause. Authorities are inspecting all similar aircraft in South Korea while families of victims demand better support.
South Korea Plane Crash Investigation: Quick Looks
- Crash Details: A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crash-landed at Muan International Airport on Sunday, killing 179.
- Investigation: U.S. teams, including Boeing and FAA representatives, are conducting site inspections.
- Preliminary Causes: Landing gear malfunction and possible hydraulic control system issues are being examined.
- Safety Checks: South Korea is inspecting all 101 Boeing 737-800s in operation within the country.
- Victims: DNA tests are ongoing to identify victims; families demand dignified handling of remains.
US Experts Examine Deadly South Korea Plane Crash
Deep Look: Investigations Begin into South Korea’s Deadly Plane Crash
South Korea and a U.S. investigative delegation are probing the deadly crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 that killed 179 people at Muan International Airport. The crash, which occurred Sunday, is the country’s worst aviation disaster in decades. Preliminary findings point to a landing gear failure as a likely cause.
The Crash: What Happened?
The Jeju Air flight was carrying 181 passengers and crew when it attempted an emergency landing. Video footage shows the aircraft’s landing gear failed to deploy, causing the plane to land on its belly. It overshot the runway, collided with a concrete barrier housing navigational equipment, and burst into flames.
Eyewitnesses and initial reports also cited possible engine trouble. The pilots reportedly received a bird strike warning and issued a distress signal shortly before the crash.
Investigators on the Ground
A team of eight U.S. investigators, including representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and Boeing, examined the crash site on Tuesday. Findings from their investigation have not yet been disclosed.
South Korea’s Transport Ministry has launched a nationwide inspection of all 101 Boeing 737-800 planes operated by domestic airlines. The safety checks, scheduled to last through Friday, will scrutinize maintenance and operational records.
Kim E-bae, the president of Jeju Air, announced measures to improve safety, including hiring more maintenance staff and reducing flight schedules by 10-15% until March.
Possible Causes of the Crash
John Hansman, an aviation expert at MIT, suggested the accident may have been caused by a hydraulic system failure, which would explain why the landing gear and wing flaps did not deploy. This theory aligns with other expert opinions pointing to an electrical or hydraulic system malfunction.
Najmedin Meshkati, an engineering professor at the University of Southern California, noted the broader implications of these failures, saying they likely affected critical systems. Meshkati also criticized the placement of a solid concrete barrier near the runway, calling it a “design flaw” that exacerbated the tragedy.
Focus on the Airport’s Infrastructure
South Korean officials are investigating whether the concrete barrier, designed to house navigational antennas, should have been made of lighter, breakable materials to minimize damage during accidents.
Victims and Mourning
Authorities have identified 175 of the 179 bodies and are using DNA testing to identify the remaining victims. Families of the deceased have criticized the government for delays in providing adequate facilities for preserving remains, citing concerns about decomposition.
Park Han Shin, a representative of the victims’ families, accused officials of failing to fulfill promises, stating, “The last dignities of the victims are seriously hurt.”
Safety Record of the Boeing 737-800
The Boeing 737-800 is an earlier model of the 737 series, distinct from the more problematic 737 Max. Aviation experts, including Meshkati, have described the 737-800 as having a strong safety record. However, investigators will carefully examine the flight data and cockpit voice recorders to determine the exact cause of the crash.
A National Tragedy
The disaster has shaken South Korea, with the government declaring a seven-day national mourning period. The crash comes amid broader political and administrative challenges, as the country grapples with leadership instability following recent impeachments of its president and prime minister.
Looking Forward
As the investigation unfolds, both South Korea and Boeing face pressing questions about aviation safety and infrastructure. For the victims’ families, the focus remains on ensuring dignity and accountability in the aftermath of this tragic event.
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