Boeing Slumps

The Wreckage of Jeju Air Co. Flight 2216

The wreckage of Jeju Air Co. Flight 2216 at Muan International Airport in Muan County, South Korea, on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024.

Boeing Shares Fall After South Korea Orders Inspection of 737-800 Planes

Boeing shares fell more than 2% on Monday, after South Korea ordered an inspection of all 737-800 planes — the model involved in a deadly Jeju Air crash over the weekend — operated by its domestic carriers.

Emergency Safety Inspection Ordered

Acting President Choi Sang-mok told the Transport Ministry to carry out an emergency safety inspection of the country’s entire airline operation system, while officials at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, or MOLIT, said they would conduct a "comprehensive special inspection of the B737-800."

Uncertainty Surrounds Crash Circumstances

Uncertainty surrounds the exact circumstances of the crash, which killed 179 of 181 people who were on board the flight on Sunday. The plane landed without the correct gear deployed at South Korea’s Muan International Airport, skidded off the runway and smashed into a wall, bursting into flames. The survivors were two crew members who were pulled from the wreckage.

Pilot Mentions Bird Strike

In a Monday briefing, MOLIT said the aircraft’s pilot had mentioned a "bird strike" a few minutes after the airport’s control tower issued a bird activity warning. The pilot also notified the control tower of a "go-around," referring to an aborted landing attempt, and declared "Mayday," said Yu Kyung-soo, director of aviation safety policy at MOLIT, according to an NBC News translation.

Investigation Underway

Two black boxes were retrieved from the aircraft and have been sent for analysis. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is meanwhile leading a team of U.S. investigators, including the Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing, to assist South Korea’s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board with a probe into the crash. Engine manufacturer CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and France’s Safran Aircraft Engines, will also be involved in the investigation.

Boeing 737-800 Safety Record

The Boeing 737-800 has a strong safety record and is one of the most widely used aircraft with about 4,400 in service, equal to about 17% of the active global jet fleet, according to aviation-data firm Cirium. It is also commonly used by South Korean low-cost carriers, MOLIT said, with Jeju Air the biggest operator with 39 jets.

Conclusion

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and it is unclear what caused the aircraft’s landing gear to malfunction. However, experts say it is unlikely that a design flaw played into the crash. The Boeing 737-800 has a strong safety record, and it is one of the most widely used aircraft in the world.

FAQs

Q: What was the cause of the crash?
A: The exact cause of the crash is still unknown and is under investigation.

Q: How many people were on board the flight?
A: There were 181 people on board the flight, with 179 fatalities and two survivors.

Q: What is the safety record of the Boeing 737-800?
A: The Boeing 737-800 has a strong safety record and is one of the most widely used aircraft in the world.

Q: What is the investigation team doing to determine the cause of the crash?
A: The investigation team is conducting a comprehensive investigation, including reviewing maintenance records, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing data from the aircraft’s black boxes.