South Korean authorities have launched an investigation into the country’s deadliest aviation disaster, raiding Jeju Air and the operator of Muan International Airport on Thursday. The crash of Jeju Air flight 7C2216 on Sunday killed 179 people, leaving only two survivors—crew members seated in the tail section of the aircraft.
The Boeing 737-800 had departed from Bangkok, Thailand, bound for Muan in southwestern South Korea. It belly-landed, overshot the runway, and erupted into flames after colliding with an embankment. Both survivors were injured but rescued from the wreckage.
The police search targeted Jeju Air’s Seoul office, Muan airport facilities, and aviation ministry offices, aiming to gather operational and maintenance records tied to the flight and airport. Jeju Air is cooperating with investigators, the airline confirmed during a media briefing.
Critical focus has shifted to the embankment supporting a “localiser” antenna near the runway. Experts, including engineering professor Najmedin Meshkati of USC, noted that its rigid concrete structure may have contributed to the catastrophic impact, deviating from the standard flexible metal tower design.
Deputy Transport Minister Joo Jong-wan reported that audio files from the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) had been extracted. However, public release may be withheld due to their role in the ongoing investigation. The flight data recorder (FDR), damaged in the crash, has been sent to the U.S. for analysis with the support of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Early inquiries suggest the pilot had declared an emergency after a bird strike and attempted a second landing, though it remains unclear why the landing gear was not deployed. South Korean investigators are collaborating with experts from the NTSB, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Boeing.
South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has called for urgent inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft in operation across the country. Addressing public concerns, he emphasised ensuring rigorous maintenance and pilot training standards.
Choi also urged full support for victims’ families while instructing authorities to act against disinformation or malicious content circulating online regarding the tragedy.