Investigators have successfully extracted data from one of the black boxes of the Jeju Air flight that tragically crashed in South Korea on Sunday. The nation’s transport ministry announced that the cockpit voice recorder’s data is set to be converted into an audio file. However, accessing the data from the second black box, the flight data recorder, will take additional time due to a missing critical component.
Authorities are optimistic that the information retrieved from both recorders will shed light on the crucial moments preceding the disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 179 individuals after the aircraft collided with a structure and exploded. This incident marks the deadliest aviation disaster on South Korean soil.
Deputy Minister for Civil Aviation, Joo Jong-wan, stated that investigators are currently exploring the most effective method to decode the flight data recorder without the essential connector. Additionally, officials from the US National Transportation Safety Board have arrived in Muan to assist in the investigation of the crash.
The Boeing 737-800 was en route from Bangkok when it crash-landed at Muan International Airport, skidding into a wall at the end of the runway, igniting a deadly fire that claimed all lives on board except for two crew members.
Investigators are also examining potential factors contributing to the accident, including the possibility of a bird strike or adverse weather conditions. The passengers aboard flight 7C2216 ranged in age from three to 78, with the majority being in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Among the deceased are two Thai nationals, while the others are reported to be South Korean.
Authorities faced challenges in identifying the victims due to the condition of the remains. However, acting president Choi Sang-mok confirmed that all 179 victims have now been positively identified.
To honor those lost in the tragedy, New Year’s Day celebrations nationwide have either been canceled or significantly reduced, and a seven-day period of national mourning has been declared. Jeju Air’s CEO announced that the airline is preparing emergency compensation for the victims’ families and will cover funeral expenses. The CEO also indicated that a pre-flight inspection prior to the incident revealed no issues with the aircraft, as investigations into the crash’s cause continue.
