SEOUL -- South Korea's parliament on Monday launched its 40-day investigation into a passenger jet crash in late 2024, according to Yonhap news agency.

The National Assembly's special investigation committee held its first meeting to launch its inquiry into the case of the Jeju Air passenger jet that belly-landed and crashed at the Muan International Airport, around 290 km southwest of the capital Seoul, on Dec. 29, 2024.

Four crew members and 175 passengers on board were killed, while two crew members were seriously injured.

The committee was composed of 18 lawmakers, including 9 members of the ruling Democratic Party and 7 members from the main opposition People Power Party.

The investigation was scheduled to continue until Jan 30, 2026, but it can be extended if necessary.

The committee will investigate the actual causes of the disaster and whether there were attempts by state agencies to downplay or cover up the accident during the investigation process.