By Youssef Yahya 
Following the fatal Jeju Air crash on December 29th, police raided Muan International Airport (MWX), the Jeju Air office in Seoul, and the Muan office of the Busan Regional Office of Aviation. The raids, conducted today (January 2, 2025), are part of an ongoing investigation into the fatal crash which claimed 179 lives.
The Jeonnam Provincial Police obtained a search warrant on charges of professional negligence resulting in death, underscoring the severity of the allegations and the need for accountability in this tragic incident.
The disaster unfolded when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, flying from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted a belly landing at Muan International Airport. The aircraft veered off the runway, colliding with the airport’s outer wall, a concrete barrier, before bursting into flames. Of the 181 individuals on board, only two survived, making it one of the deadliest aviation incidents in South Korea’s history.
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Just days after the crash, a team of investigators from the U.S. government and Boeing arrived at the site to assist with the probe. Their expertise is critical, given the technical complexity of the case and the aircraft model involved.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) confirmed on January 2, 2025, that data from the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) had been successfully converted. The device, recovered in good condition, holds two hours of recordings that could provide valuable insights into the pilots’ actions and communication before the crash.
Meanwhile, the flight data recorder (FDR), although damaged and missing a key connector, has been sent to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) headquarters in Washington for further analysis.
MOLIT has also launched inspections of air navigation safety facilities nationwide, particularly focusing on localizer equipment. This system, identified as a factor exacerbating the crash, is now under rigorous review to enhance its reliability and ensure aviation safety.
- Featured image by Masakatsu Ukon
Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’
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