South Korean authorities began extracting preliminary data from one of the black boxes of the Boeing 737-800 of Jeju Waterwhich crashed last Sunday at Muan airport, killing 179 people in the worst air disaster on South Korean soil.
According to the vice minister of civil aviation, Joo Jong Waninitial data was obtained from the cockpit voice recorder and researchers are working on converting it into audio to analyze the pilots’ latest communications.
The plane, carrying 181 people from Thailand to South Korea, issued an emergency call before making an emergency landing that ended in tragedy.
The aircraft hit a concrete barrier at the end of the runway and burst into flames, leaving only two survivors: two flight attendants who were rescued from the burning fuselage.
Both black boxes were recovered from the crash site in southwestern South Korea, where teams of local and American investigators, including experts from Boeing and the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
However, the flight data recorder was found with a damaged connector, which complicates the extraction of information, according to Joo.
Initially, authorities pointed to a possible bird strike as the cause of the disaster, but subsequent analysis focused the investigation on a concrete barrier at the end of the runway, which according to available videos was hit by the aircraft before catching fire. Besides, doubts arose about possible mechanical failures.
Local reports suggest that the landing gear worked correctly on a failed first landing attempt, but may have failed on the second attempt. The Accident Investigation Board will conduct a thorough review of evidence and testimony to determine if there were technical failures related to the landing system or airframe.
Researchers are also looking at a navigation system known as a “locator”which is installed in the concrete structure with which the plane collided. This system, which assists aircraft during landing, is being examined as a possible factor that aggravated the severity of the accident.
The identification of the 179 victims was completed this Wednesday, reported the acting president of South Korea, Choi Sang-mokduring a meeting of the disaster response committee.
“Our investigators, along with the NTSB and the manufacturer, are conducting a joint investigation to determine the cause of the accident,” he said.
Most of the victims were South Korean tourists returning from New Year’s holidays in Bangkokwith the exception of two Thai passengers. Memorials honoring the deceased were set up across the country, including Seoul and Muan airport.
The accident left the country in mourning as investigation teams work to provide definitive answers. It is hoped that a more complete report, based on the analysis of black boxes and other evidence, will reveal the exact causes of this tragic accident.
(With information from AFP)
