South Korean investigators close to finalizing cockpit transcript in fatal Jeju Air crash

Web Desk | 10 months ago

South Korean investigators announced on Saturday that they are close to completing the transcript of the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) from the deadly Jeju Air flight 2216 crash, which claimed the lives of 179 people last week. The investigation is still ongoing, with the CVR potentially offering critical insights into the final moments of the flight.

The Boeing 737-800, which was carrying 181 passengers and crew, crashed on Sunday after attempting a belly landing before slamming into a concrete barrier at the end of the runway at Muan Airport in southwestern South Korea. The flight was travelling from Thailand to South Korea when the disaster occurred.

South Korean investigators, along with US investigators and representatives from the aircraft’s manufacturer Boeing, have been working at the crash site to determine the cause of the incident. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport revealed in a statement that the CVR transcript is expected to be finalised soon, and the flight data recorder (FDR) is being prepared for transport to the United States for further analysis.

In addition to the CVR, South Korean investigators have recovered the aircraft’s engine from the crash site this week, contributing to the ongoing investigation. While the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, preliminary findings have raised concerns over a possible bird strike, faulty landing gear, and the runway barrier as contributing factors.

This week, South Korean investigators conducted search and seizure operations at Muan Airport, the regional aviation office in the southwestern city, and Jeju Air’s office in Seoul. The CEO of Jeju Air, Kim E-bae, has been banned from leaving the country as part of the ongoing investigation.

Witnesses reported that the pilot had warned of a potential bird strike before aborting the first landing attempt. However, during the second attempt, the aircraft’s landing gear failed to deploy, leading to the crash. Dramatic footage of the incident shows the plane colliding with the concrete barrier at the end of the runway before bursting into flames.

As the investigation continues, authorities have begun the process of lifting the wreckage and returning the bodies and personal belongings of the identified victims to their grieving families. The majority of the passengers were South Korean holidaymakers returning from year-end trips to Bangkok, with two Thai passengers also onboard. Among the items being returned to the families are smartphones, dried mangoes, and coconuts sourced from Thailand.