Jeju Air Crash Prompts Boeing 737-800 Inspections

Following a catastrophic crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 at South Korea's Muan International Airport, which resulted in 179 deaths, South Korean authorities have initiated an inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by the country's airlines. The crash occurred during a landing attempt that followed warnings of a potential bird strike, with the aircraft skidding off the runway and bursting into flames. Two crew members survived, and the investigation is considering multiple factors, including potential landing gear failure. In a separate incident, another Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 experienced a landing gear issue, prompting a return to Gimpo International Airport for inspection. The South Korean government, alongside U.S. investigators, is conducting a rigorous review of airline safety protocols and maintenance records, with concerns raised about Jeju Air's high aircraft utilization rate possibly contributing to the accidents.