“Black boxes” from crashed South Korean plane stopped recording about four minutes before disaster, officials say | CNN

CNN - Jan 11th, 2025

Investigators revealed that the flight recorders of a Jeju Air passenger jet, which crashed last month in South Korea, ceased functioning minutes before the aircraft belly-landed and erupted into flames at Muan International Airport. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 179 passengers and crew members, with only two survivors. The malfunction of the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, which are crucial for understanding the accident, has hindered the probe into the country's deadliest aviation disaster in nearly three decades. While the cause of the crash remains undetermined, the devices have been sent to the United States for further analysis, as efforts continue to piece together the events leading up to the crash, which followed a mayday call and warnings about bird presence near the airport. Investigations have extended to Jeju Air's office and the airport's operator as authorities seek answers.

This incident is the deadliest aviation accident in South Korea since a Korean Air Lines crash in 1997. The lack of data from the flight recorders poses significant challenges to the investigation, which is expected to take several months. The crash has raised safety concerns, including questions about the airport's infrastructure and the pilot's actions amid challenging circumstances. The investigation's findings could have broad implications for aviation safety protocols and regulations, potentially affecting airline operations and airport design to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incident highlights the critical role of flight data in accident investigations and the complexities involved when such data is unavailable.

Bird Strike Jeju Air Muan International Airport Boeing 737 800 Ntsb South Korea Aviation Accident Flight Recorders

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RATING

7.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a concise overview of the investigative status following the tragic crash of Jeju Air flight 7C 2216. It effectively conveys the essential facts, such as the failure of the flight recorders and the preliminary findings of the investigation. However, while the article is accurate and clear in its presentation, it could benefit from a broader range of sources and perspectives to enhance its balance and depth. The transparency regarding the investigative process is somewhat limited, as more context could be given about the potential causes and implications. Overall, the article serves its purpose in informing readers about the unfolding investigation but could improve in providing a more comprehensive view.

Accuracy

The article is largely accurate in presenting the facts surrounding the crash of Jeju Air flight 7C 2216. It reports key details such as the failure of the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, which stopped working minutes before the crash. The mention of specific details like the plane's model, the exact flight route, and the response of South Korean authorities adds to the factual credibility. However, the article could improve by providing more detailed information on why the recorders stopped working and the specific steps being taken to investigate the accident. While it cites official statements from the South Korean Ministry of Transport, it could bolster its accuracy by including additional technical insights from aviation experts.

Balance

The article presents a primarily factual recount of the events and the ongoing investigation. However, there is a noticeable focus on the technical failures without exploring other potential factors or perspectives that could have contributed to the crash. The mention of the pilot’s mayday call and the reference to a 'bird strike' introduces some alternative viewpoints, but these are not explored in depth. For a more balanced perspective, the article could include insights from aviation experts or testimonies from survivors and eyewitnesses. Additionally, the article briefly mentions a raid on Jeju Air’s office, which could be further detailed to understand its implications.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clear, providing a straightforward account of the events and the current state of the investigation. The language is professional and devoid of emotive terms, which maintains a neutral tone suitable for a news report. The logical flow from the crash details to the investigative actions is coherent, allowing readers to follow the progression of information easily. Any complex aviation terms, like 'CVR' and 'FDR,' are sufficiently explained, ensuring that the article is accessible even to readers without a technical background. However, while clarity is strong, including visual aids or diagrams could further enhance understanding of the technical aspects discussed.

Source quality

The article predominantly relies on official statements from South Korean authorities, which are credible but limited in scope. The mention of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States as a source for further analysis adds credibility, given the NTSB’s reputation in aviation investigations. However, there is a lack of diversity in sources; for instance, the article could benefit from input from independent aviation analysts or experts not directly involved in the investigation. The citation of Reuters for information about the police raid suggests some use of external sources, but this is not thoroughly developed, limiting the overall depth.

Transparency

The article does provide some insights into the investigative process and acknowledges the unknowns, such as why the flight recorders stopped working. However, it lacks transparency in terms of explaining the broader context of the investigation. For example, the article could better elucidate the methodologies being used to analyze the data and explore potential conflicts of interest, especially concerning the involvement of various authorities. Additionally, it does not sufficiently disclose the affiliations of quoted officials or the reasons behind the NTSB’s involvement, which could help readers understand the dynamics of international investigative cooperation.