South Korea’s transport ministry has extended inspections of the country’s 737-800 aircraft following the crash of Jeju Air flight 2216 on December 29, 2024, with engine manufacturer GE Aerospace joining the investigation.
Originally set to conclude on January 3, inspections will now be carried out until January 10, as investigators conduct additional checks such as whether the country’s airlines have spent adequate time carrying out maintenance on aircraft. This is in addition to checking maintenance records of key aircraft components.
The inspections will focus on engines and landing gear, with authorities warning of potential operational suspensions for airlines found in violation of safety standards.
The inspections of the country's aircraft follow the tragic crash of Jeju Air flight 2216. The flight, carrying 181 passengers and crew, was travelling from Bangkok to Muan in the southwest of the country and crashed after skidding off the airport's runway and colliding with a wall following a belly landing, after the plane’s landing gear failed to deploy.
The accident resulted in the deaths of all passengers on-board and all but two crew members, who were seated at the rear of the aircraft.
The exact cause of the crash is still yet unknown but early indications from investigators and transport officials in the country suggest that the plane suffered a bird strike when approaching Muan International Airport.
The transport ministry has additionally held an emergency meeting with the chief executives of 11 airlines, including Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines, to discuss measures to enhance aviation safety, Reuters reported.
Following the crash of flight 2216, police in the country have banned Jeju Air chief executive, Kim E-bae, from leaving the country.