US Investigators Join Probe into Deadly South Korea Plane Crash

The United States has sent a team of investigators to South Korea to assist in determining the cause of a deadly plane crash involving Jeju Air. The crash, which occurred on Sunday morning, claimed the lives of 179 people aboard the Boeing 737-800. The aircraft, which had departed from Bangkok, Thailand, was attempting to land at Muan Airport in South Korea when it crash-landed and skidded into a barrier before bursting into flames.

The team of US investigators includes experts from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Boeing, the manufacturer of the plane. These experts are working alongside the South Korean authorities to uncover the factors that led to the tragic accident. The crash has raised questions, particularly about a potential bird strike, as reports suggest the plane struggled to lower its undercarriage despite having multiple redundancy systems in place.

The incident occurred after the plane received a warning about birds in the area. The pilot attempted to land the aircraft, but after a failed first attempt, the plane was forced to land belly-first, skidding along the runway and hitting a barrier. As the plane came to a halt, it exploded. Of the 181 people onboard, two survived: both were crew members who were rescued from the back of the plane during the initial search.

The crash has sparked an outpouring of sympathy from around the world. President Joe Biden, currently on vacation in the Virgin Islands, expressed his condolences in a statement. “Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life,” Biden said. “As close allies, the American people share deep bonds of friendship with the South Korean people, and our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragedy.” As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding how a bird strike may have played a role in the crash and why the aircraft’s safety systems did not function as expected.