'Muan Sagogi' Flight Recorder to Head to the US Next Week... "Two Korean Investigators to Accompany"

Sajo Committee Briefing on the 3rd
"Two Investigators to be Dispatched to the U.S. Next Week"

On the 29th, a Jeju Air passenger plane carrying 181 passengers collided with the outer wall of the runway while landing at Muan International Airport, causing a fire that resulted in a major disaster with most passengers dead. Forensic investigators are searching for casualties outside the runway at Muan International Airport, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

The Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 3rd that two ARAIB investigators will depart for the United States next week to investigate the Flight Data Recorder (FDR).

Since extracting FDR data domestically is difficult, the ARAIB is heading to the United States for joint analysis with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Based on the inspection, analysis, and testing results of the FDR in the U.S., a draft investigation report will be prepared.

The ARAIB plans to finalize and announce the investigation results after examining the wreckage, analyzing and testing data, drafting the report, holding public hearings, collecting opinions from related countries, and conducting committee deliberations. The ARAIB is an independent organization established under the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Act to determine the cause of the passenger plane crash at Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do. Currently, it is collecting information and data related to the accident investigation in accordance with international standards and domestic laws.

Since the 31st, the ARAIB has formed a Korea-U.S. joint accident investigation team to inspect the wreckage and has organized groups by field such as operations, maintenance, and landing gear (devices necessary for aircraft takeoff and landing, including wheels) to investigate the site. Additionally, they have completed interviews with air traffic controllers, drone filming of the accident site, and are preparing transcripts of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).

The ARAIB stated, "Since this accident is a major aviation disaster with many casualties, we are conducting a swift investigation," and added, "To ensure the rights of the bereaved families and the public to know, we will share the accident investigation process, including public hearings, during the investigation."

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