Authorities conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations following South Korea's deadliest aviation disaster.
According to the New York Post, South Korean police raided the offices of Jeju Air and Muan International Airport operator on Thursday as part of their investigation into Sunday's crash that claimed 179 lives when a Boeing 737-800 belly-landed and burst into flames.
The catastrophic incident occurred when Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, traveling from Bangkok to Muan in southwestern South Korea, overshot the runway and collided with an embankment. Only two crew members survived the crash, both of whom were seated in the tail section of the aircraft and were rescued with injuries.
Air safety experts have raised significant concerns about the airport's infrastructure, particularly focusing on the embankment supporting navigation equipment. The rigid concrete structure's proximity to the runway's end has been identified as a critical factor in the disaster's severity.
Engineering professor Najmedin Meshkati from the University of Southern California highlighted structural concerns about the navigation antenna's mounting system. He questioned the use of a concrete structure instead of the industry-standard metal tower installation.
The investigation has also brought attention to crucial unanswered questions regarding the aircraft's landing gear deployment and the pilot's decision-making process during the emergency landing attempt. Reports indicate the pilot had declared an emergency following a bird strike before attempting a second landing.
Police investigators have begun seizing documents and materials related to aircraft maintenance, operations, and airport facility management from various locations. The search encompasses offices in Seoul and Muan, including those of the Transportation Ministry aviation authority.
The investigation has drawn international participation, with teams from the US National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, and Boeing joining South Korean officials. This collaborative effort aims to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok emphasized the urgency of conducting thorough inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operating in South Korea. The flight data recorder, which sustained damage in the crash, has been sent to the United States for analysis.
The cockpit voice recorder analysis, expected to be completed by Friday, could provide vital insights into the flight's final moments. However, transport ministry officials have indicated that public release of the audio files may be restricted due to their importance to the ongoing investigation.
Choi has directed immediate action should any issues be discovered during the special inspection of Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The comprehensive review will cover operation maintenance, education, and training protocols.
The government has also addressed concerns about social media misinformation, with authorities prepared to take action against those spreading false information about the disaster. Support services have been established to assist victims' families during the identification and remaining transfer process.
The Jeju Air crash investigation represents South Korea's response to its worst aviation disaster, with police raids targeting multiple locations, including Jeju Air's offices and Muan International Airport facilities. The incident, which occurred when Flight 7C2216 crashed during landing on Sunday, resulted in 179 fatalities and two survivors from the crew. The investigation involves collaboration between South Korean authorities and international aviation experts, focusing on critical aspects, including the airport's infrastructure, aircraft maintenance records, and flight crew decisions.
