Missing Black Box Data Deepens Mystery of South Korea’s Deadliest Plane Crash
South Korea’s worst aviation disaster reveals missing black box data, leaving investigators puzzled. Discover the unfolding details behind the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216.
South Korea’s worst aviation disaster reveals missing black box data, leaving investigators puzzled. Discover the unfolding details behind the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216.
Black Boxes Go Silent Before Deadly Crash
Investigators probing South Korea’s deadliest aviation accident face a perplexing hurdle: the black boxes from the Boeing 737-800 jet ceased recording crucial data just four minutes before the crash. The tragic incident, which claimed 179 lives, occurred when Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, en route from Bangkok to Muan, overshot the runway and burst into flames on December 29.
The South Korean transport ministry confirmed on Saturday that both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder stopped capturing information shortly after the pilot reported a bird strike—a key event that may have contributed to the accident.
Missing Data Raises Tough Questions
Preliminary analysis of the cockpit voice recorder in South Korea revealed missing data, prompting its transfer to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board for further examination. These black boxes typically hold vital information, such as pilot communications and in-flight system performance, making their failure an unusual and concerning twist.
Sim Jai-dong, a former transport ministry investigator, noted that the absence of data from the jet’s critical final minutes suggests a total loss of power, including backup systems—an exceedingly rare occurrence.
Focus Shifts to Structural and Operational Factors
As investigators grapple with the missing data, the crash site itself has drawn scrutiny. The plane collided with an embankment near the runway, designed to support a “localiser” system that aids in aircraft landings. Questions have been raised about the embankment’s proximity to the runway and its rigid construction, which may have exacerbated the crash’s severity.
Two minutes before the pilots issued a Mayday call, air traffic control had warned of heightened bird activity. This advisory now forms a critical thread in the investigation, as authorities attempt to piece together the sequence of events leading to the crash.
Calls for Independent Investigation
Families of the victims are demanding greater transparency, urging the transport ministry to involve independent experts in the investigation. They argue that an unbiased probe, potentially incorporating recommendations from the families themselves, would ensure accountability and restore trust in the process.
In response, the ministry has pledged to share updates with the families and use all available data to uncover the truth. However, the absence of black box recordings remains a significant obstacle, heightening the pressure on investigators to deliver answers.
Survivors and the Road Ahead
Remarkably, only two individuals—crew members seated in the tail section—survived the crash, adding a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the factors that led to the catastrophic failure, from the bird strike to the embankment’s role and the blackout of the black boxes.
South Korea’s aviation sector now faces a pivotal moment to address safety gaps and ensure no similar tragedies occur in the future.
Source: (Reuters)
Also Read: Los Angeles Wildfires Force New Evacuations Amid Palisades Fire Surge