South Korea Air Crash: Investigation Reveals No Pre-Flight Issues Found

Investigations are ongoing into the fatal crash of a Jeju Air flight that barred the landing gear, leading to a significant loss of life. The airline has stated that their pre-flight inspections showed no abnormalities, yet questions about safety protocols, possible causes like bird strikes, and the identification of victims remain critical issues for grieving families.

A Jeju Air passenger plane tragically crashed in South Korea on Sunday, killing 179 people. The airline has communicated that a pre-flight inspection found "no issues" with the aircraft, particularly concerning the landing gear that did not deploy during its approach for landing at Muan International Airport. CEO Kim Yi-bae assured the public that nothing unusual was noted during the inspection, suggesting the flight was prepared for the journey from Bangkok when it lost control and skidded into a wall after touching down without landing gear.

The investigation is delving into potential reasons for this catastrophic event, including whether a bird strike or adverse weather conditions might have contributed to the incident. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, landed about a third of the way down the runway shortly after 09:00 local time, resulting in an explosion and devastating fire. While two crew members survived, all passengers onboard were confirmed deceased.

As families await news of their loved ones, frustration mounts regarding the slow process of identifying victims, as many remained severely burned due to the intense flames post-crash. Authorities reported that most of the passengers were South Korean nationals, with only two Thai nationals among the deceased. Hundreds of grief-stricken relatives have gathered at Muan International Airport, some expressing anger concerning the ongoing delays in victim identification.

In response to inquiries about Jeju Air's safety measures, Kim Yi-bae emphasized the rigorous maintenance protocols the company follows, stating they have more maintenance workers per aircraft than ever before. He outlined plans to reduce flight capacity this winter to allow for more comprehensive inspections and repairs, asserting, "We aim to repair your trust in us by strengthening our safety measures."

Furthermore, the airline has committed to covering funeral costs for the deceased and preparing emergency compensation for affected families. On-site psychological support is being provided as officials continue the painstaking task of retrieving remains and wreckage from the crash site.

The investigation is also focusing on the missing connector from one of the plane’s black boxes, which could complicate efforts to extract crucial flight data, potentially prolonging the search for answers behind the crash. Regulatory scrutiny is expected surrounding the concrete barrier the aircraft collided with, as the Muan airport remains closed for investigations, further delaying the healing process for affected families.