The investigation into the fatal crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 at Muan International Airport has seen the announcement that data from the flight data recorder (FDR) cannot be extracted by South Korean authorities. Damage to the unit has meant that South Korea is unable to extract and interrogate the recorded data.
The damaged recorder is crucial for understanding the sequence of events leading to the crash. It will now be transported to the United States for further analysis by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The unrecoverability of the FDR stems from a missing connector, hindering domestic data extraction efforts. While the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) has been successfully retrieved and initial data extracted, the loss of FDR data presents a significant challenge to investigators.

Raids and Investigation Intensify
In a move that underscores the seriousness of the investigation, South Korean police conducted raids on Jeju Air’s headquarters and the operator of Muan International Airport. These raids aimed to gather evidence and data related to the crash. This includes maintenance records, communication logs, and other relevant documents.
The CEO of Jeju Air, Kim E-bae, has also been barred from leaving the country. The measure further indicates the authorities’ determination to uncover the facts behind the tragedy.
South Korea’s acting president Choi Sang-mok gave comment on Wednesday. The cause of the accident will be revealed by comprehensively analyzing and reviewing detailed investigations of the aircraft, fuselage and black box,” he said.

Deadliest Plane Crash on South Korean Soil
The tragic crash of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 at Muan International Airport marks the deadliest aviation accident in South Korean history. South Korea has a strong aviation safety record. The accident has resulted in shock waves through the regional aviation community and the general public.
179 lives were lost in the crash at South Korea’s Muan International Airport. The circumstances of the accident have left authorities and aviation officials with many unanswered questions.
Focus on CVR Data
Aircraft ‘black boxes’ actually consist of two crucial components: the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).
The FDR records a vast array of flight parameters, whilst the CVR captures audio from the cockpit, including pilot conversations, alarms, and ambient sounds.
With the FDR data extraction delayed, investigators will initially rely on the CVR data to piece together the final moments of the flight. The CVR will provide insights into the crew’s communication, actions, and the overall atmosphere in the cockpit.
The data from the aircraft’s CVR has now been extracted and will be converted to an audio file for analysis.
The investigation is ongoing, and both international and domestic authorities are working to determine the cause of the crash. The damage to the FDR unit adds another layer of complexity to the investigation.

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