Missing Final Moments of South Korean Air Crash Investigated

Flight recorders from the Jeju Air accident reveal a four-minute gap before disaster, raising concerns about investigative integrity.

Flight data and cockpit voice recorders from a South Korean passenger plane that crashed last month have reportedly halted recording four minutes prior to the incident, according to the nation’s transport ministry. This tragic event, involving a Jeju Air flight, resulted in the death of 179 individuals, marking it as the most catastrophic air disaster in South Korean history, with only two cabin crew members surviving.

Investigators were hopeful that the data from the recorders would shed light on the crucial moments leading up to the crash. However, the recent revelation of missing data has raised significant concerns. The ministry announced plans to examine the circumstances surrounding the "black boxes" and their unexpected recording failure.

The recorders were initially assessed in South Korea, but upon discovering the data was unavailable, they were transported to the United States for further analysis by American safety regulators. The airplane, which was en route from Bangkok, crash-landed at Muan International Airport on December 29, colliding with a wall at the end of the runway and igniting flames.

Industry expert Sim Jai-dong expressed shock over the data loss, suggesting it indicated a total power failure, including backup systems. Currently, investigators are exploring various possibilities regarding the causes of the crash, including potential bird strikes or adverse weather conditions. Additionally, an inquiry into why the Boeing 737-800 had not deployed its landing gear during landing is underway.

The incident has prompted frustration among the families of the victims, who are still awaiting the recovery of remains.