A tragic plane crash involving Jeju Air on December 29th, 2023, has left South Korea reeling as families mourn the loss of their loved ones and authorities initiate investigations to determine the cause of the accident.
The low-cost airline was operating a Boeing 737-800 returning from Bangkok, with 181 individuals aboard, including six crew members. Reports confirm the aircraft tragically landed on its belly before crashing at Muan International Airport's runway end, resulting in the loss of all passengers except for two survivors, who were aircrew members.
According to Park Sang-woo, the Minister of Transport, the bodies of 151 victims have been returned to their families, providing a glimpse of closure amid national mourning, which was declared for seven days beginning December 31st. "Sur les 179 victimes, les dépouilles de quatre d'entre elles ont passé les procédures de retour aux familles pour des funérailles" stated Park during updates at the airport.
The intensity of the crash left the plane ``almost entirely destroyed,” complicate the identification process. With emotions raw, families have expressed their heartache, describing the pain of losing multiple relatives. One victim's family reported losing nine members, showcasing the extensive ramifications of this disaster. Efforts to locate and identify other victims continue, as bereaved families camped near the airport await updates.
Messages of love and remembrance have been pouring in from community members, as seen with one poignant note stating, "Je prie pour votre repos éternel" (I pray for your eternal rest), reflecting the collective grief shared by many.
Investigators have exhausted no effort to understand the events leading up to the crash, with both South Korean and American teams working alongside representatives from Boeing at the site. The cockpit voice recorder's audio has been decoded, potentially shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the fatal landing.
Vice-Minister of Aviation Joo Jong-wan emphasized the determination of investigation teams, stating they began by focusing on the two black boxes recovered from the wreckage. These recordings are fundamental for providing insights on what transpired during the flight. He noted, “Cette barrière est un localisateur, un type de système d'aide à la navigation” (This barrier is a locator, a type of navigation aid), as discussions evolve around potential faults with the aircraft.
Initial assessments indicate the plane landed on its belly, prompting concerns over possible mechanical failure with its landing gear or even the risk of bird strikes. Notably, just three minutes before the crash, the control tower warned the crew about potential encounters with birds. The advance warning, coupled with the pilot's distress call (“mayday”), haunts the discourse around preventive measures in aviation.
Alongside these technical investigations, criticism is directed toward the airport's layout, particularly the solid wall located at the runway's end which the aircraft struck at high speed. Kim Kwang-il, a professor of aeronautics, stated, “Normalement, il n'y a pas de tel obstacle solide en bout de piste” (Normally, there's no such solid obstacle at the end of the runway). His expert remarks highlight the need for enhanced safety features around airport infrastructures, urging for systemic reviews to avert future tragedies.
Authorities have initiated comprehensive inspections of all Boeing 737-800 models currently operated by South Korean airlines, alongside their investigations. This thorough analysis aims to address current concerns of mechanical flaws and the safety of aircraft designs.
After these tragic events, South Africa faces both grief and mounting pressure to reform air safety protocols. With families longing for answers and justice being sought, the incident serves as both a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities within air travel and the community’s call for reforms.
While the investigation continues, the voices of the victims’ families echo through Muan and beyond as they seek accountability and hope for future improvements within the aviation sector. Their determination rages on as they navigate the dark corridors of loss, intertwined with their enduring prayer for peace and safety for all flyers.