"Istara Hangong Controversy Over Certification Shot on Wing, Falsified Security Inspection Sheet"

Sloppy Inspections, Such as Checking Only the Right Side of the Aircraft
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Fails to Alleviate Public Safety Concerns

Eastar Jet was found to have falsified inspection records, indicating that internal and external safety and security checks of aircraft were completed, despite conducting inadequate inspections.

Provided by Eastar Jet.

On the 20th, according to the results of an investigation requested by Kim Eun-hye, a member of the People Power Party, to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport regarding Eastar Jet's violations of safety and security inspections, Eastar Jet maintenance personnel conducted sloppy inspections, such as checking only the right side of the aircraft, but recorded on the security inspection sheet that the inspection was completed. Representative Kim serves as the ruling party secretary of the National Assembly's "Special Committee for the Investigation of the 12.29 Passenger Plane Disaster and for the Relief of Victims and Bereaved Families."

Earlier, on the 12th of last month, Eastar Jet cabin crew opened the emergency door of the aircraft at Cheongju Airport, climbed onto the wing, and took photos. Afterwards, passenger boarding began, and soon the aircraft departed for its destination.

In response, Representative Kim requested the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to investigate the safety and security inspection records of the aircraft and any violations of security laws. The ministry conducted on-site inspections and interviews with related personnel.

The investigation revealed through closed-circuit television (CCTV) that while the chief flight attendant was conducting internal inspections, cabin crew members were taking photos on the aircraft wing, and maintenance personnel, who were supposed to inspect the exterior, only checked the right side of the aircraft, conducting a shoddy inspection. However, the security inspection sheet for the aircraft indicated that both internal and external inspections had been completed.

According to Article 14 of the Aviation Security Act, airlines must conduct internal and external security inspections of aircraft before every flight. Security inspections are an important procedure aimed at preventing terrorism by checking before operation whether there are any signs of external access, whether doors are properly controlled, and whether dangerous items such as knives or explosives are present inside the cabin.

Representative Kim stated, "Even within the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, collaboration on the completeness of security inspections and investigations into violations is not properly conducted, failing to alleviate the public's concerns about the recurring aircraft accidents." She added, "Security and safety inspections are extremely important procedures directly related to the lives and safety of the public. We will seek legislative measures to thoroughly hold accountable airlines that engage in deception and to improve the ministry’s lax inspection system."