U.S. investigators are set to assist South Korea in examining the devastating plane crash that occurred on Sunday, resulting in the loss of 179 lives on a Jeju Air flight that departed from Thailand. The collaboration includes experts from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Boeing, the aircraft's manufacturer, all focused on uncovering the causes behind this tragic event. The announcement came via a post from the NTSB, confirming their commitment to support the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) in South Korea.

The ill-fated flight, Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, was carrying 181 individuals when it encountered severe issues upon landing at Muan International Airport. Reports indicate that 179 lives were lost, with only two survivors, both crew members, rescued during the early search efforts. Witness accounts suggest that a possible bird strike may have occurred, as the control tower reportedly warned of birds in the vicinity just seconds before landing. Shortly thereafter, the pilot issued a mayday signal, and moments later, the aircraft burst into flames.

In a decisive response to this tragedy, South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok ordered an emergency safety inspection across the nation's airline operations, emphasizing the need for thorough oversight amidst this unforeseen disaster. During a recent disaster control meeting, President Choi expressed deep sorrow for the victims and their families, committing to the mobilization of government resources to provide support for those affected, including transparency throughout the ongoing investigations.

Choi reassured the public, stating, “We will transparently disclose the progress of the investigation into the accident, even before the final results are released,” reflecting a commitment to keeping bereaved families informed during this painful time. The significant collaboration between U.S. and South Korean agencies marks a critical step toward enhancing aviation safety and preventing future incidents of this nature.

For more details on this tragic event, visit the original report from The Hill.