The tragic plane crash in Muan, South Korea, took 179 lives. Investigators continue to examine its causes and implications.
Victim Identification Almost Complete
Authorities in South Korea have confirmed the identities of 174 out of 179 victims from the crash. The Ministry of Transport reported that some remains have already been returned to grieving families for burial. Miraculously, two crew members survived the devastating event.
The runway at Muan Airport remains closed until January 7 to allow a detailed investigation. Experts from Boeing and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are working alongside South Korean investigators at the site.
The Controversial Concrete Wall
A concrete wall located 250 meters beyond the runway is now a key focus of the investigation. Experts believe the wall may have contributed to the high death toll.
The wall supported an antenna system critical for landing guidance. Typically, such systems are mounted on flexible structures designed to give way on impact. At Muan, the system was encased in a four-meter-high concrete wall, prompting criticism from aviation experts.
Song Byeong Heum, an aviation analyst, explained that antennas should bend on impact, much like a straw. A pilot interviewed by Yonhap News called the wall’s design inconsistent with international standards. The airport defended the construction, claiming it was necessary for proper operation. The Ministry of Transport added that similar walls exist at other South Korean airports.
Bird Strike and Flight Recorders Under Investigation
Recovery teams retrieved both flight recorders from the Boeing 737-800. While the cockpit voice recorder is intact, the flight data recorder sustained damage. Experts are working to recover its data, a process that may take time.
On the day of the crash, the Jeju Air flight from Bangkok landed in Muan without deploying its landing gear. The aircraft skidded off the runway, hit the wall, and caught fire. Most of the passengers were South Korean nationals, alongside two Thai citizens. Only two crew members survived.
Investigators suspect a bird strike occurred moments before the crash. Air traffic controllers had warned the pilots about bird activity near the airport. Shortly afterward, the pilots issued a Mayday call reporting a bird strike. However, it remains unclear how this could have disabled the landing gear.
In response to the crash, South Korea’s government ordered a review of maintenance records for all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by national airlines. The inspection includes six airlines and military aircraft of similar models.