Missing Connector on Flight Data Recorder

Authorities have revealed that a missing connector on the flight data recorder (FDR) may delay the investigation into the crash of a South Korean plane that killed 179 people. The FDR, which records vital flight data, was recovered from the wreckage of the Jeju Air Co. plane that exploded at Muan International Airport.

The FDR lost a connector that links the data storage unit to the power unit, which could cause a delay in retrieving critical information about the crash.

Efforts to Retrieve Data

Deputy Minister for Civil Aviation, Joo Jong-wan, confirmed that experts are working to restore the data, but no clear timeline was provided for when this issue will be resolved. The ministry is focused on resolving the problem as quickly as possible.

Authorities have also secured the cockpit voice recorder (CVR), which records communications and engine sounds. US aviation officials and Boeing representatives will assist in analyzing the data starting December 31.

Potential Bird Strikes and Other Investigations

Bird strikes are suspected to have contributed to the crash, as the control tower issued a warning about bird activity just two minutes before the crash occurred. The plane struck a wall at the end of the runway, shortly after declaring an emergency.

Investigators are also looking into why the landing gears failed and whether the localizer system played a role in the crash.