Missing Black Box Data Deepens Mystery of Jeju Air Crash at Muan Airport

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The investigation into the catastrophic crash of Jeju Air flight 7C2216 at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024, has taken an alarming turn as South Korea's Ministry of Transport revealed the black box recorders ceased functioning four minutes before the disaster.

The crash, which claimed the lives of 179 people, is the deadliest aviation accident in South Korea’s history. The flight, a Boeing 737-800 operated by the budget carrier Jeju Air, was en route from Bangkok to Muan when it overshot the runway, belly-landed, and burst into flames upon hitting a concrete embankment.

Authorities stated that both the flight data recorder (FDR) and the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) stopped recording crucial information moments before the crash. The ministry is working closely with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to retrieve and analyze the missing data.

Bird Strike and Emergency Maneuver

Shortly before the crash, the pilots reported a bird strike and declared an emergency. Despite attempting a go-around, the aircraft made a sharp turn and approached the runway from the opposite end, landing without deploying its landing gear. The aircraft erupted into flames on impact.

Two crew members seated in the tail section survived the crash and are receiving medical care. However, the incident has left experts questioning why the pilots deviated from standard go-around procedures.

Black Box Mystery

The failure of the black boxes to record the final moments of the flight has added complexity to the investigation. Sim Jai-dong, a former transport ministry accident investigator, suggested that a complete loss of power, including backup systems, may have occurred—a scenario he described as “highly unusual.”

The damaged recorders were initially examined in South Korea. When the missing data was discovered, the devices were sent to the United States for advanced analysis. Investigators hope the forensic examination will shed light on what caused the recorders to malfunction and provide insights into the tragic sequence of events.

Aviation Community Awaits Answers

The crash has sent shockwaves through South Korea's aviation community, raising questions about Jeju Air’s operational protocols and emergency response training. The Transport Ministry has pledged a thorough investigation and plans to release an interim report in the coming months.

The tragedy underscores the critical importance of black box data in understanding aviation disasters and ensuring future safety. For now, the missing minutes hold the key to unraveling the mystery of flight 7C2216’s final moments.