South Korean police raided Jeju Air and Muan International Airport as part of an investigation into a tragic crash that killed 179 people, raising concerns about safety protocols and the aircraft's maintenance history.

The raid follows a catastrophic incident involving Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, which belly-landed and exploded after overshooting the runway. Investigators are scrutinizing the airline's operations, maintenance practices, and the rigid embankment contributing to the explosion, amidst wider concerns about the safety of Boeing 737-800 aircraft. With key evidence, including the flight data recorder being analyzed in the United States, the ongoing investigation could have significant implications for air travel safety in South Korea.

The accident occurred during a routine flight, when Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 was attempting to land at Muan International Airport. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft struggling as it approached the runway before it failed to touch down correctly, instead belly-landing and subsequently veering off the tarmac. The impact with an embankment led to a violent explosion, igniting the aircraft. Remarkably, two crew members, who were seated in the tail section of the Boeing 737-800, were rescued despite sustaining injuries from the incident.

Authorities have confirmed that the raiding of Jeju Air and Muan International Airport was part of a broader investigation that included a search for critical documents related to operational and maintenance protocols. This included a focus on how well these entities adhered to safety regulations and whether there were lapses that could have contributed to the tragedy. The searches were conducted in conjunction with findings from air safety experts, who indicated that the embankment near the runway posed a significant danger due to its rigid structure and proximity to the operational area of the airport.

In analyzing the cause of the crash, police have placed emphasis on why the aircraft did not deploy its landing gear during the final approach. This failure is a key element in determining whether any aircraft systems malfunctioned or if there were contributing factors from the pilots’ procedures. Investigators are also looking closely at the circumstances surrounding the pilot's emergency declaration just before the accident, with both the time frame and content of that declaration under scrutiny.

The flight data recorder, also known as the black box, is currently being sent to the United States for detailed analysis by authorities including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). This collaboration aims to uncover information about the flight's trajectory, speed, and other critical flight parameters leading up to the crash. Investigators are also examining the cockpit voice recorder; however, its audio data may be withheld from the public due to its relevance to the ongoing probe and potential legal proceedings.

In the wake of the disaster, South Korea's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has called for immediate and thorough inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft, expressing concern over the safety of such models following public apprehension. He urged that proactive measures be taken to ensure that all flying Boeing 737-800 planes are closely monitored to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The investigation has drawn attention not only nationally but also internationally, with experts from the NTSB, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and representatives from Boeing already present in South Korea. Their involvement underscores the magnitude of the incident and the emphasis on a comprehensive examination of the factors contributing to the crash. Findings from this investigation may have wide-ranging consequences for regulations governing airport safety and aircraft operation.

In light of the sensitive nature of the crash, Choi also addressed the issue of misinformation, calling for strict actions against individuals spreading malicious rumors or false information about the disaster on social media platforms. He urged the public to remain calm and defer to official sources for information regarding the investigation and its findings.