GE Aerospace Joins Examination into Fatal south Korea Plane Crash
The devastating crash of a Boeing 737-800 in South Korea, resulting in the tragic loss of 179 lives, has intensified the ongoing investigation. GE Aerospace, whose CFM International joint venture with Safran manufactures the plane’s engines, has joined the probe, expanding the team’s scope and expertise.
The South Korean Ministry of Land, infrastructure, and Transport has extended its special inspections of all 101 Boeing 737-800 jets operating within the country until January 10th. Deputy Transport Minister for Civil Aviation, Joo Jong-wan, stated at a press briefing, “Investigators are in the process of probing the cause of the accident by piecing together a puzzle.”
The initial inspections, originally scheduled too conclude on January 5th, have been extended to include a more thorough examination of airline maintenance practices and parts procurement. Social media videos circulating online appear to show smoke emanating from the plane’s right engine prior to the crash, further fueling the investigation.
The Jeju Air flight, originating in Bangkok, Thailand, attempted a landing at Muan International Airport on Sunday but overshot the runway, resulting in a fiery explosion. The Ministry has announced a comprehensive review of engines, maintenance records, and landing gear across all 737-800 aircraft, with potential consequences including operational suspensions for airlines found to be in serious violation of safety regulations.
The investigation team now comprises 23 members, including 12 South Korean investigators, representatives from Boeing, and members of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The addition of a GE Aerospace representative underscores the international collaboration crucial to uncovering the cause of this tragedy.
This incident adds to the challenges Boeing faces, following previous controversies involving the 737 MAX crashes and other safety concerns. Key questions remain unanswered,including the failure to deploy the landing gear and the pilot’s decision to attempt a second landing after reporting a bird strike and declaring an emergency. ”Unanswered questions include why the aircraft did not deploy its landing gear and what lead the pilot to apparently rush into a second attempt at landing after telling air traffic control the plane had suffered a bird strike and declaring an emergency,” stated a source close to the investigation.
South Korean investigators are collaborating with the NTSB, sending two team members to the United States with the flight data recorder to analyze the crucial data. The cockpit voice recording is expected to be transcribed within days, with a later decision on public release. The ministry also convened an emergency meeting with airline CEOs to enhance aviation safety measures.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok urged investigators to expedite the evidence collection and analysis. Simultaneously occurring, police are investigating jeju Air and the airport operator, and have imposed travel restrictions on Jeju Air’s CEO, Kim E-bae, and another official. Further inspections of airport landing systems are scheduled for completion by January 8th.
South Korea Plane Crash Investigation: Runway Embankment Under Scrutiny
A devastating plane crash in South Korea is prompting a thorough investigation into potential design flaws at the airport. The focus of the inquiry has shifted to the runway’s embankment, a crucial safety feature designed to aid pilots during landings. Preliminary findings suggest the embankment’s rigidity and proximity to the runway’s end may have played a notable role in the tragic accident.
Safety experts have voiced concerns about the embankment’s design, highlighting its potential to compromise safe landings. ”The embankment, designed to prop up the navigation system that helps pilots make safe descents, was too rigid and too close to the end of the runway,” one expert stated, echoing concerns shared by others involved in the investigation.
The investigation is far-reaching, encompassing a detailed analysis of data recovered from the crash site. Authorities have collected 107 mobile phones from the wreckage, and investigators are meticulously examining text messages and other data for clues that might shed light on the events leading up to the crash. According to Yonhap News, this digital forensic analysis is a crucial part of the ongoing investigation.
“Investigators will analyze data on 107 mobile phones recovered from the crash site, including text messages, for clues to what happened before the crash,” reported yonhap news.
The incident has raised serious questions about airport safety standards and oversight in South Korea, prompting calls for a comprehensive review of existing protocols.The implications extend beyond the immediate tragedy, underscoring the critical need for rigorous safety measures in air travel globally. The parallels to past aviation incidents in the U.S. and elsewhere highlight the ongoing importance of continuous improvement in aviation safety technology and regulatory oversight.
This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available. Stay tuned to world-today-news.com for the latest updates on this critical investigation.
