Flight Data Recorder Issue Hampers South Korea Crash Probe
The missing part in the flight data recorder delays the probe into the deadly crash of Jeju Air flight, claiming 179 lives.
Missing Connector in FDR
South Korean authorities have revealed that the flight data recorder (FDR) from the devastating plane crash is missing a critical connector, which could slow down the investigation. The crash, which occurred at Muan International Airport and killed 179 people, involved a Jeju Air Co. plane.
The FDR records important flight data such as airspeed and altitude, but it lost the connector that links the data storage unit to the power supply. This setback may delay the investigation into the cause of the explosion.
Ongoing Efforts to Retrieve Data
Deputy Minister for Civil Aviation, Joo Jong-wan, confirmed that an expert is working on restoring the lost data but did not provide an estimate of the time required for the process. The ministry has promised to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
In addition to the FDR, authorities have secured the cockpit voice recorder (CVR), which records both pilot communications and engine noises. A joint investigation involving US aviation authorities and Boeing experts will begin reviewing the data on December 31.
Possible Bird Strike Involvement
Investigators believe bird strikes might have contributed to the crash. A warning about bird activity was issued to the pilot two minutes before the crash occurred. The plane slammed into a wall and exploded shortly after the mayday call was made.
Authorities are questioning the control tower officials and examining the failure of the plane’s landing gears. Investigators are also considering whether the localizer system played a role in the crash.
