South Korea Faces Scrutiny Following Deadly Jeju Air Crash

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South Korea is grappling with public outcry and demands for clarity following the tragic crash of Jeju Airlines flight 7C2216 on December 29, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 179 of the 181 passengers on board. The incident marks the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea's history, with relatives of the victims pressing for answers about the cause.

Initial reports indicated that a bird strike may have been a significant factor in the crash, but aviation experts and analysts are questioning whether this explanation is sufficient to account for the high number of fatalities. The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has stated that the investigation is ongoing, emphasizing that recovering victims' remains is a priority before analyzing the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, which provide crucial information from the jet's final moments.

Witnesses reported seeing flames and hearing explosions from one of the plane's engines just before the ill-fated attempt to land at Muan International Airport. Despite speculation about the role of landing gear malfunction in the accident, officials have not definitively identified the causes. Vice Transport Minister Ju Jong-wan refuted claims that the short length of the runway contributed to the disaster, asserting that safety measures were in place.

As investigations continue, experts warn that air accidents often result from multiple factors and that it could take months to reconstruct the events accurately. Meanwhile, Jeju Air has refrained from commenting further while the inquiry is active, which is being conducted under international protocols led by South Korea, involving the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board due to the aircraft's origin.

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