SEOUL – In a shocking revelation from South Korea's transport ministry

it has been disclosed that the black boxes, which are vital for understanding the final moments of the ill-fated Jeju Air flight, ceased recording just four minutes before the plane's catastrophic crash. This revelation comes in the wake of the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 179 individuals onboard.

The ill-fated Boeing 737-800

was en route from Thailand to Muan, South Korea, carrying a total of 181 passengers and crew when it belly-landed at Muan airport on December 29, 2023. The crash resulted in an explosive fireball after the aircraft collided with a concrete barrier at the end of the runway, marking this as the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korean history.

The transport ministry's statement highlighted

that both the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) failed to document the crucial moments preceding the crash. This data loss poses a significant challenge for investigators trying to piece together the events leading up to the disaster. According to the ministry, the localiser—an essential guidance system for landings—was involved in intensifying the impact of the crash.

Despite the black boxes being damaged

South Korean authorities have sent them to the United States National Transportation Safety Board for advanced examination and analysis. However, the data loss complicates the investigation, prompting an urgent inquiry into the reasons behind the recorder's failure.

The South Korean and U.S. investigators remain unyielding

in their efforts to determine the crash's causes, supported by widespread public mourning and memorials across the nation. Authorities are investigating multiple factors that could have contributed to this tragedy, including a bird strike, malfunctioning landing gear, and the presence of the runway barrier.

Notably, prior to the crash

the pilot reported a potential bird strike during an initial landing attempt. Following the unsuccessful attempt, the aircraft crashed on its second approach when the landing gear failed to deploy. Notably, feathers were discovered in one of the engines, but experts cautioned that a bird strike alone doesn’t necessarily cause immediate engine failure.

In a serious escalation of the investigation

officials have conducted raids on several locations, including offices at Muan airport, a local aviation office, and Jeju Air’s headquarters in Seoul. In a bid to ensure accountability, Jeju Air's CEO has been barred from leaving the country. Additionally, rival political factions have united to form a joint task force aimed at scrutinizing the crash. In light of this tragedy, Transport Minister Park Sang-woo has offered his resignation, expressing a deep sense of responsibility for the safety of aviation in the country.

The investigation continues

and authorities remain committed to unearthing the truth behind this calamity, as families and friends of the victims seek answers and justice amid their grief. Stay tuned for further updates as this heartbreaking story unfolds!