South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has announced a special inspection of all Boeing 737-800 jets operated by the country’s air carriers.

This move comes after a devastating crash at Muan International Airport, where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 carrying 181 people from Bangkok crashed, killing 179 people.

The preliminary investigation suggests a landing gear malfunction as the cause of the tragedy. Only two crew members survived the crash and are currently receiving treatment for their injuries.

In light of this incident, the ministry will inspect all 101 Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by South Korean airlines, focusing on their operational conditions, maintenance records, and compliance with aviation safety regulations.

According to Yonhap news agency, transport ministry official said the government plans to thoroughly examine whether various regulations of the Boeing model are being properly followed by airlines, which would check their aircraft utilization rates, flight inspections and maintenance records.

The Boeing 737-800 is widely operated by domestic low-cost carriers. Jeju Air operates the largest number of this model, with 39 aircraft in its fleet. Other operators include T’way Air with 27 aircraft, Jin Air with 19 and Eastar Jet with 10.

The ministry, in particular, plans to conduct rigorous safety inspections of Jeju Air following repeated landing gear issues.

Earlier in the day, a separate Jeju Air flight of the same aircraft model made a return after taking off from Gimpo International Airport due to a landing gear issue that was found similarly in Sunday’s crash. It was of the same Boeing B737-800 model involved in the accident.

“We plan to implement rigorous aviation safety inspections in response to the (landing gear) incidents,” Joo Jong-wan, aviation policy chief at the transport ministry, said during a briefing at the Sejong government complex.

Joo noted that Jeju Air was known for its high aircraft utilization rate, which some observers have pointed to as a possible factor in Sunday’s crash.

Following the landing gear issue reported on Monday, the ministry dispatched safety inspectors to the company to investigate the latest case.

Meanwhile, one of the two flight recording devices recovered from the crash site has been found with external damage, according to Joo. It has been transported to Gimpo International Airport for further analysis.

The ministry official also said the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board will participate in the investigation into the crash. Boeing and engine manufacturer CFM International have also been approached for cooperation.

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