Seoul to Evaluate All Boeing 737-800 Aircraft in the Nation After Jeju Air Incident
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Seoul, Dec 30 (NationPress) The South Korean government declared on Monday a plan to initiate a safety inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft utilized by domestic airlines, following a Jeju Air Co. plane crash that tragically resulted in 179 fatalities the previous day.
In the incident that occurred on Sunday in the southwestern county of Muan, it is suspected that all three landing gears failed to function correctly. The aircraft involved in this unfortunate event was a Boeing B737-800.
A representative from the Transport Ministry stated that the government will carry out a comprehensive review to ensure that all regulations pertaining to the Boeing model are being adhered to by airlines. This will involve scrutinizing aircraft utilization rates, flight inspections, and maintenance records.
The Boeing 737-800 is extensively used by domestic low-cost carriers, with Jeju Air having the largest fleet of this model, comprising 39 aircraft. Other airlines operating this model include T'way Air with 27 aircraft, Jin Air with 19, Eastar Jet with 10, and Air Incheon with two. Additionally, Korean Air, the largest airline in the country, has two units of this model, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
In response to the crash, the ministry has notified the six airlines operating the same model that it will send aviation safety inspectors to carry out exhaustive safety checks, which will include evaluations of pilot training, engines, and landing gear systems of their Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Earlier on the same day, another Jeju Air flight of the same aircraft model had to return shortly after departing from Gimpo International Airport due to a similar landing gear issue experienced in Sunday’s crash. This aircraft was also a Boeing B737-800.
“We intend to enforce strict aviation safety inspections in light of the (landing gear) incidents,” commented Joo Jong-wan, the aviation policy chief at the Transport Ministry, during a briefing at the Sejong government complex.
Joo highlighted that Jeju Air is recognized for its high aircraft utilization rates, which some experts have suggested may have contributed to the crash on Sunday.
After the recent landing gear issue was reported on Monday, safety inspectors were dispatched to Jeju Air to investigate the matter further.
In addition, one of the two flight recorders retrieved from the crash site has shown signs of external damage, according to Joo. This device has been sent to Gimpo International Airport for in-depth analysis.
The ministry representative also mentioned that the US National Transportation Safety Board will join the investigation into the crash, and cooperation has been sought from both Boeing and the engine manufacturer CFM International.
