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In response to one of South Korea’s most tragic aviation disasters, where all but two passengers aboard a B737-800 Boeing aircraft perished after a crash landing on Sunday, South Korea is set to examine its entire B737-800 fleet operated by domestic carriers. This action comes on the heels of acting president Choi Sang-mok’s directive for urgent safety reviews of the nation’s airline systems. Investigators are delving into the catastrophe involving Jeju Air’s twin-engine Boeing 737-800, which failed to lower its landing gear, skidded down the runway, collided with a wall, and subsequently burst into flames at Muan International Airport, located in the country’s southern region.
Coincidentally, on Monday, another B737-800 from Jeju Air had to turn back to Gimpo domestic airport after receiving a warning about its landing gear. Despite the initial scare, the gear was later verified as functioning correctly, the airline reported. This incident had a more immediate effect on Jeju Air’s financial health, as shares slumped to their lowest levels, plunging 16% at one point before settling at an 8.7% decline by the day’s end.
“We intend to prioritize a comprehensive safety review of all operational B737-800s,” an official from the transport ministry announced on Monday during a live briefing. He highlighted that over a hundred of these aircraft are active in South Korea, predominantly operated by budget airlines. The ministry aims to ensure that airlines faithfully adhere to safety protocols, including routine maintenance checks before and after each flight.
The Boeing 737-800 represents a “next-generation” model in Boeing’s longstanding 737 series, which has dominated short-haul aviation since the 1990s. Over time, it is being phased out by the more contemporary and efficient 737 Max.
Although the precise cause of the crash remains under scrutiny, this incident further complicates a challenging year for the US-based aviation manufacturer, known for recent issues with manufacturing faults and safety standards—capped off by a 737 Max losing a door plug mid-flight in January and notable crashes in 2018 and 2019.
The transport ministry has also announced an inspection of Jeju Air, noted for having the longest average monthly operational hours per aircraft among South Korea’s six airlines during the third quarter. The doomed plane had been active across five Asian countries, flying 13 times in the 48 hours preceding the crash. Since 2020, Jeju Air has faced nine penalties for infringing upon aviation safety regulations more than any other domestic airline. The airline insists its flight schedule was not excessive and asserts compliance with all safety and maintenance standards.
Recovered from the wreckage, the plane’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders, although externally damaged, are under examination to determine if a full analysis is possible. Reports indicate that the pilot communicated a bird strike to air traffic control and issued a mayday call just before the ill-fated landing.
While South Korea spearheads the investigation into the crash, assistance is being provided by the US National Transportation Safety Board. Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration will also contribute to this investigation. The crash tragically cut short the lives of predominantly South Korean holidaymakers returning from Thailand.
