By Okafor Joseph Afam
December 30, 2024

South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has launched an extensive inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by domestic airlines following a catastrophic crash at Muan International Airport. The tragic incident, involving a Jeju Air flight from Bangkok, claimed 179 lives, with only two crew members surviving. Both are currently receiving treatment for severe injuries.

Preliminary findings suggest a landing gear malfunction as the probable cause of the crash. In response, the ministry has prioritized the safety review of all 101 Boeing 737-800 jets in the country, scrutinizing operational conditions, maintenance logs, and adherence to aviation safety regulations.

Focus on Jeju Air’s Operations

The inspection particularly targets Jeju Air, which operates 39 Boeing 737-800s, the highest among South Korea’s airlines. Other carriers, including T’way Air with 27, Jin Air with 19, and Eastar Jet with 10, will also undergo thorough checks.

A transport ministry official told Yonhap News Agency, “We are committed to ensuring all regulations regarding the Boeing 737-800 are meticulously observed. This includes examining utilization rates, flight inspection histories, and maintenance records to prevent further tragedies.”

Recurring Landing Gear Issues

The urgency of the inspections heightened after a separate Jeju Air flight, operating the same Boeing model, was forced to return to Gimpo International Airport earlier today due to a landing gear problem—an issue eerily similar to the one suspected in Sunday’s fatal crash.

“We plan to implement rigorous aviation safety inspections in response to these incidents,” stated Joo Jong-wan, aviation policy chief at the transport ministry, during a briefing at the Sejong government complex.

Observers have raised concerns about Jeju Air’s high aircraft utilization rate, potentially contributing to maintenance lapses. Inspectors have been dispatched to investigate this aspect further.

International Collaboration in Crash Investigation

One of the two flight recorders recovered from the crash site has sustained external damage, complicating the analysis. The device has been transported to Gimpo International Airport for detailed examination.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will collaborate with South Korea on the investigation, alongside Boeing and CFM International, the engine manufacturer.

As families mourn the loss of 179 lives, South Korea’s aviation industry faces mounting pressure to ensure safety and accountability, with the ongoing investigation expected to yield critical insights.