Black boxes stop recording just before Jeju Air jet crash

On December 29, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in South Korea when Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, an aircraft traveling from Bangkok, Thailand to Muan, South Korea, crashed during landing. The flight had encountered severe challenges as it approached Muan International Airport, ultimately resulting in the tragic loss of 179 lives, including 175 passengers and six crew members, with only two crew members surviving. Reports indicate that the aircraft declared an emergency after suffering a bird strike shortly before the crash. The investigation into the disaster revealed that the flight data recorders, commonly known as black boxes, ceased recording just four minutes prior to the event. This alarming detail has raised concerns among aviation safety officials and investigators. The authorities indicated that the black boxes would be analyzed to determine the circumstances surrounding their abrupt cessation of activity. The preliminary investigation ventured into details suggesting that the power supply, including backups, may have been compromised, a scenario that is seldom encountered in aviation disasters. Lead investigator Lee Seung-yeol and other officials have indicated that feathers found near the crash site corroborate the bird strike theory. This theory aligns with what the pilots reported to air traffic control just before the crash, amplifying the need for thorough examination into how the airplane's landing gear failed to deploy, despite facing this emergency. The aircraft collided with a concrete wall at the runway’s end, leading to a catastrophic explosion upon impact that left little chance for escape for those onboard. The incident has prompted a wider examination not only of the crash mechanics but also of the airfield infrastructure itself, focusing on how and why safety features potentially failed, contributing to the high casualty toll. This accident poses significant implications for aviation safety regulations in South Korea and worldwide, shining a spotlight on existing protocols regarding reporting emergencies and potential improvements needed in response procedures. The investigation is ongoing, and data analysis from both South Korean and U.S. authorities is expected to yield critical insights into preventing similar incidents in the future.