South Korea’s Jeju Air Flight 2216: Black Boxes Missing Final Four Minutes Before Fatal Crash

In a tragic incident on December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea, resulting in the deaths of 179 of the 181 people on board. The aircraft skidded off the runway after its landing gear failed to deploy, colliding with a concrete structure and bursting into flames.

Investigations have revealed a significant complication: both the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) ceased recording approximately four minutes before the crash. This gap in data poses challenges for investigators seeking to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the disaster. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is collaborating with South Korean authorities to analyze the black boxes and uncover the causes behind the devices’ premature cessation.

Preliminary findings suggest that the aircraft may have experienced a bird strike shortly before the crash, leading to the emergency landing attempt without deployed landing gear. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the safety of Muan International Airport, particularly the concrete structure the plane collided with, which some experts believe should have been constructed with more forgiving materials to minimize crash impact.

The missing final minutes of data underscore the critical role of black boxes in aviation safety investigations. These devices are designed to withstand extreme conditions and provide invaluable information to prevent future accidents. The Jeju Air incident highlights the ongoing challenges in aviation safety and the importance of continuous improvements in aircraft technology and airport infrastructure.

As the investigation continues, authorities are committed to uncovering the full circumstances of the crash to enhance safety measures and prevent similar tragedies in the future.