The Boeing 737-800 aircraft that crashed in southwestern South Korea belonged to a model widely recognized and used globally. Approximately 4,400 of these planes comprise about 15 percent of the world's total commercial fleet, according to Cirium, an aviation data analytics firm. The 737-800 is part of Boeing's Next-Generation 737 family, the predecessor of the 737 Max, which was previously grounded following two fatal incidents over five years ago.
The aircraft is popular with nearly 200 airlines worldwide, including five in South Korea: Jeju Air, T’way Air, Jin Air, Eastar Jet, and Korean Air. Since 1998, Boeing has delivered about 5,000 units of this model, which has garnered a reputation for safety, as noted by Najmedin Meshkati, a professor of engineering at the University of Southern California. He remarked on the 737-800's good safety record and acknowledged that its range of operation spans between 5 to 27 years, with a well-maintained example capable of lasting for decades.
As investigations commence to determine the cause of the crash, initial speculation includes the possibility of a bird strike leading to a landing gear failure. In a statement released on Sunday, Boeing affirmed its commitment to assist Jeju Air in the aftermath of the accident. Bird strikes in aviation are not unusual; they occasionally lead to cracked windshields, compelling some airports, like Muan International Airport—where the crash transpired—to implement various measures, including audio distress calls to dissuade birds and controlled culling efforts.
Professor Meshkati elaborated on the 737-800's robust landing gear design, yet he emphasized that poor maintenance can jeopardize operational integrity. He cautioned against hastily attributing a single cause to aircraft accidents, as they typically result from a combination of several factors that require extensive investigation to unravel. Meanwhile, the rigorous scrutiny of safety protocols in aviation remains a pivotal topic for industry experts and stakeholders alike.
The aircraft is popular with nearly 200 airlines worldwide, including five in South Korea: Jeju Air, T’way Air, Jin Air, Eastar Jet, and Korean Air. Since 1998, Boeing has delivered about 5,000 units of this model, which has garnered a reputation for safety, as noted by Najmedin Meshkati, a professor of engineering at the University of Southern California. He remarked on the 737-800's good safety record and acknowledged that its range of operation spans between 5 to 27 years, with a well-maintained example capable of lasting for decades.
As investigations commence to determine the cause of the crash, initial speculation includes the possibility of a bird strike leading to a landing gear failure. In a statement released on Sunday, Boeing affirmed its commitment to assist Jeju Air in the aftermath of the accident. Bird strikes in aviation are not unusual; they occasionally lead to cracked windshields, compelling some airports, like Muan International Airport—where the crash transpired—to implement various measures, including audio distress calls to dissuade birds and controlled culling efforts.
Professor Meshkati elaborated on the 737-800's robust landing gear design, yet he emphasized that poor maintenance can jeopardize operational integrity. He cautioned against hastily attributing a single cause to aircraft accidents, as they typically result from a combination of several factors that require extensive investigation to unravel. Meanwhile, the rigorous scrutiny of safety protocols in aviation remains a pivotal topic for industry experts and stakeholders alike.
