South Korea Orders Safety Inspections of All Boeing 737-800s after Fatal Crash

South Korean officials announced Monday they will conduct thorough safety inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by the country’s airlines following a devastating plane crash that claimed 179 lives on Sunday. The crash, which occurred at Muan airport, is the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea in decades.

The aircraft, operated by Jeju Air, aborted its first landing attempt for unknown reasons before attempting a second landing. During the second approach, the plane received a bird strike warning before the pilot issued a distress signal. The aircraft ultimately landed without its front landing gear deployed, overshot the runway, and crashed into a concrete fence, bursting into flames.

The South Korean Transport Ministry plans to inspect all 101 Boeing 737-800 jets in the country and conduct a broader review of Jeju Air’s safety standards, which operates 39 of these aircraft. Investigators from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing are expected to assist in the investigation.

The crash has prompted a national outpouring of sympathy and concern over the government’s ability to respond effectively. With President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo recently impeached, the country is facing a leadership vacuum. Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who also serves as deputy prime minister and finance minister, has urged a comprehensive review of the country’s aviation safety systems to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Experts have pointed to a potential hydraulic failure and landing gear malfunction as contributing factors to the crash, though engine trouble may have played a role. Officials are also examining the design of the concrete barrier that caused additional damage when the plane crashed into it.

In a related incident, another Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 returned to Seoul’s Gimpo International Airport shortly after takeoff due to a landing gear issue, though the situation was resolved without further incident.