Data Extracted from First Jeju Air Black Box

Black Box Analysis

First Black Box Extracted, Second Sent for Analysis
The cockpit voice recorder’s data is being converted into an audio file, providing critical insights into the moments before the crash. Meanwhile, the second black box, a flight data recorder, has been sent to the United States for further analysis, as it was damaged in the crash and requires specialized equipment for decoding.

South Korean experts will collaborate with the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) during the analysis process, ensuring transparency and thoroughness.

Crash Details and Investigation Focus

Timeline of Events and Investigative Focus Areas
The Boeing 737-800 plane, traveling from Bangkok to Muan International Airport, crash-landed and slid into a concrete wall before bursting into flames. Investigators are examining potential causes, including:

Weather Conditions: Wind or rain at the time of landing.
Bird Strike: Possible interference with the aircraft’s engines.
Runway Infrastructure: The concrete wall’s role in amplifying the crash’s impact.

Victims and National Mourning

Identifying the Victims
All 179 victims, aged between three and 78, have now been identified through DNA and fingerprint analysis. Among the deceased were two Thai nationals, with the rest believed to be South Korean.

National Mourning and Support for Families
South Korea has declared a seven-day mourning period. New Year’s Day celebrations were cancelled or subdued out of respect. Jeju Air has pledged emergency compensation for the victims’ families, including covering funeral costs.

What Comes Next?

Global and Local Collaboration on the Investigation
As NTSB officials join South Korean investigators at the crash site in Muan county, questions about the flight’s pre-landing conditions and the structural integrity of the airport’s runway remain. The collaboration aims to uncover what led to this tragic event.