South Korean Authorities Investigate Plane Crash, Raise Questions About Obstacles on Runway
The investigation into South Korea’s deadliest plane disaster continues, with authorities examining the role of a hardened barrier at the end of the runway where the Boeing 737-800 crash-landed. The plane, operated by Jeju Air, slid down the runway at Muan international airport and burst into flames, resulting in the deaths of 179 people, with only two surviving.
The 199-meter (652ft) embankment, built to house navigation equipment, has drawn attention as it may have been too close to the end of the runway, according to reports. The airport’s operating manual had noted this issue in 2024, but no action was taken at the time. The International Civil Aviation Organization recommends a 240-meter safety area at the end of runways, but only mandates a 90-meter area.
Other key questions remain for investigators, including why the pilot touched down late on the runway at a high speed with no landing gear deployed and no use of the wing flaps. The US National Transportation Safety Board has sent investigators to assist in the probe, and the airline has reduced its winter services by 10-15% in response to the crash.
The cause of the crash is still unknown, but early theories focused on a bird strike. The plane’s flight data recorder was damaged and may not provide clear data, adding to the challenges of the investigation. The National Police Agency is using rapid DNA analyzers to speed up the identification of five bodies, and all but four of the 181 people on board have been identified.
Families of the victims are calling for more transparency from authorities, and the South Korean government has ordered an emergency safety inspection of the country’s entire airline operation. The investigation is expected to be complex and time-consuming, and the outcome may take weeks or even months to determine.