South Korea has suspended operations of the Boeing B737-800 aircraft used by a local airline following a devastating crash that occurred during landing. The incident, which took place on Sunday, resulted in the deaths of 179 out of 181 passengers on board, marking it as one of the country’s worst aviation disasters.
Investigators are currently looking into the circumstances surrounding the crash of the twin-engine Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air, particularly why the aircraft failed to deploy its landing gear. This failure led to the plane skidding off the runway and crashing into a wall at Muan International Airport. In response to the disaster, South Korea’s Acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered an emergency safety inspection across the country’s aviation systems.
In a related event on Monday morning, another B737-800 from Jeju Air had to return to Gimpo Domestic Airport after displaying a warning regarding its landing gear. Although the issue was resolved and the landing gear was found to be functioning correctly, the airline’s stock suffered, dropping as much as 16%.
The Ministry of Transportation confirmed that over 100 B737-800s are currently in operation within South Korea and stated that prioritized safety inspections would be implemented for these aircraft. The ministry aims to ensure compliance with safety regulations, including maintenance practices.
Boeing’s 737-800, part of its single-aisle series introduced in the 1990s, is primarily used by low-cost airlines. However, it has faced scrutiny this year, particularly following complications related to safety protocols and prior incidents involving the newer 737 Max model.
Currently, flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the crashed plane have been recovered and are undergoing analysis. Preliminary reports suggest that the pilot experienced a bird strike and declared a mayday before attempting an emergency landing.
South Korean authorities are spearheading the investigation into this tragic accident, while the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is sending a team to provide assistance. Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration are also expected to be involved in the inquiry. The majority of the victims were South Korean nationals returning from a vacation in Thailand.