(Seoul) – A Boeing 737-800 traveling from Bangkok, Thailand, to Muan, South Korea, crashed on December 29, 2024, killing 179 of the 181 people on board. Investigators revealed that both the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) stopped functioning just four minutes before the disaster, raising critical questions about the cause of the crash.
The ill-fated Jeju Airlines flight carried 175 passengers and six crew members. Only two crew members survived. Before the explosion, the plane experienced a landing gear malfunction, forcing an emergency belly landing. During this maneuver, the aircraft collided with posts at the end of the runway, resulting in a devastating explosion.
South Korea’s Ministry of Transport announced on January 11, 2025, that the FDR and CVR were extensively damaged, rendering initial data extraction impossible. Both devices were sent to the United States for further analysis by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Officials emphasized that the investigation may take several months to determine the precise cause of the crash.
A video circulating on social media captures the aircraft’s landing attempt. In the footage, the plane struggles to deploy its landing gear before colliding with runway obstacles. Moments before the crash, the pilot reportedly declared an emergency, citing a possible bird strike and the inability to fully deploy the gear.
This tragedy marks South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster in 30 years, since a Korean Air Boeing 747 crash in Guam in 1997 claimed 228 lives. Jeju Airlines now faces scrutiny, with police raiding their offices to collect documents. Authorities have pledged to hold accountable anyone found negligent in maintaining safety standards.
The Ministry of Transport has acknowledged the critical role of CVR and FDR data in understanding such incidents. However, officials have assured the public that the investigation will examine all possible factors, including mechanical issues, human error, and external conditions.
Key Facts About the Incident
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Flight Details | Boeing 737-800, Bangkok to Muan |
| Passengers and Crew | 181 total: 175 passengers, 6 crew |
| Fatalities | 179 |
| Survivors | 2 crew members |
| Cause Under Investigation | Landing gear malfunction, black box failure |
| Investigating Authority | South Korea Ministry of Transport, NTSB (USA) |
