SEOUL, South Korea — Authorities in South Korea have committed to a comprehensive investigation into the recent airplane crash that resulted in the deaths of 179 individuals, announcing on Monday that they will also scrutinize all Boeing 737-800 aircraft used by domestic airlines.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Sunday, marked the worst aviation disaster in South Korea in many years, sending ripples of shock through the nation already grappling with political turmoil stemming from the impeachment of its two highest officials—President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Han Duk-soo.
### Incident Overview and Possible Causes
The ill-fated Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 was approaching Muan International Airport in southern South Korea after departing from Bangkok. Following a failed first landing attempt, flight control issued a bird strike warning to the crew. Shortly after, the pilot declared a distress signal as the aircraft landed with its front wheels retracted. The aircraft veered off the runway, collided with a concrete barrier, and erupted in flames.
Witness accounts suggest that video footage of the disaster indicated the possibility of engine issues. However, it is widely believed that a malfunction related to the landing gear was the primary cause of the accident.
Officials from the South Korean Transport Ministry announced on Monday their intent to investigate whether the fence that the plane struck—which housed antennas meant to facilitate a safe landing—should have been constructed from lighter materials to minimize damage upon impact. They are also examining potential communication lapses between air traffic control and the flight crew.
The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been relocated to a research facility at Gimpo International Airport in Seoul for detailed analysis, but officials noted that the complete investigation might span several months.
### Boeing’s Troubles Continue
This incident adds to Boeing’s challenges amid an already troubling 2024 for the American aviation manufacturer, which has dealt with safety concerns, labor disputes, and declining stock values.
Experts concur that while the 737-800 model has a more reliable track record compared to the contentious 737 Max series—previously involved in deadly accidents in 2018 and 2019—the South Korean authorities mandated thorough safety inspections on all domestic 737-800s in operation, including 39 managed by Jeju Air.
Boeing and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board representatives are on their way to Seoul to assist with the investigation.
On the same day as the crash, a separate Jeju Air 737-800 returned shortly after takeoff due to a detected landing gear issue. The airline indicated that this matter was addressed through coordinated communication with their ground support, although the pilot prudently chose to return to Gimpo for safety reasons.
### Victim Information
Out of the 179 individuals on board, only two crew members survived the disaster. They were rescued from the tail section of the aircraft, which remained relatively unharmed. One survivor suffered serious injuries, including fractures to the ribs and spine, and reported to medical staff that he woke up to discover he had been rescued.
The majority of the passengers were South Korean nationals, but two were identified as Thai citizens. The Transport Ministry reported on Monday that 146 bodies had been identified, while DNA and fingerprint samples were being taken from the remaining 33.
Park Han Shin, a spokesperson for the victims’ families, stated that the severe state of the bodies was causing delays in returning them to their loved ones, urging the government to allocate more resources for assistance.
### Impact on National Politics
This tragedy compounds recent political upheavals in South Korea, including President Yoon’s controversial and brief declaration of martial law, which led to his impeachment and that of Prime Minister Han. As the deputy prime minister, Choi Sang-mok now serves as acting president.
The safety minister has stepped down, and the police chief has been arrested due to their involvement in the martial law declaration. The lack of senior officials in charge of disaster management during this time has heightened public anxiety.
Choi has quickly visited the crash site to meet with grieving families and has convened emergency meetings to address the situation. He has called for immediate evaluations of the country’s safety protocols in aviation and encouraged development of preventive measures to ensure public safety moving forward.
### Global Reactions
International leaders have expressed their condolences as South Korea contends with this calamity. Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, conveyed deep sympathies and directed the nation’s foreign ministry to assist affected families.
U.S. President Joe Biden remarked on his profound sadness regarding the incident, reaffirming the strong ties and shared grief between the American and South Korean peoples and offering support where needed.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and solidarity with South Korea during this challenging period.
Pope Francis expressed his sympathies from St. Peter’s Square, while Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also conveyed his deep sorrow at the loss of life in this tragic event.
