Missing Black Box Data Deepens Mystery of Jeju Air Crash

The black boxes from the Boeing (NYSE:BA) jet involved in South Korea's deadliest aviation disaster stopped recording four minutes before the crash, according to the transport ministry. The tragedy claimed 179 lives, with only two survivors.

Investigators consider the flight data and cockpit voice recorders critical to uncovering the cause of the Dec. 29 crash. The Jeju Air 7C2216 flight from Bangkok to Muan experienced a bird strike four minutes before impact. The jet belly-landed, overshot the runway, and exploded after striking an embankment.

Authorities are examining why the black boxes failed to capture the crucial final minutes. The voice recorder, initially reviewed in South Korea, was sent to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board after missing data was detected. These devices track cockpit communications and aircraft performance.

Two minutes before the pilots declared a Mayday, air traffic control warned of "bird activity." Former investigator Sim Jai-dong suggested the missing data indicates a rare total power failure, cutting all systems.

Families of victims have questioned the transport ministry's leadership in the probe, calling for independent experts to ensure transparency. Investigators are also scrutinizing the embankment's construction, as its rigid design and proximity to the runway may have exacerbated the crash's severity.

The ministry pledged to use all available data for a thorough investigation and share findings with the victims' families. This incident underscores the need for enhanced aviation safety and transparent oversight.