Experts have raised doubts regarding the fatal plane crash in South Korea, stating that a bird strike alone may not be the sole cause of the incident. The crash involved a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 jet carrying 181 people, including six crew members, which crashed and burst into flames while attempting to land at Muan International Airport. The control tower had issued a bird-strike warning, and the pilot sent out a distress signal before attempting to land in the opposite direction of the runway. The plane skidded down the runway without the landing gear deployed and crashed into an outer wall, resulting in a fatal blaze that claimed the lives of at least 179 people.
The incident is one of South Korea’s worst aviation disasters, occurring during a time of political crisis following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law imposition, retraction, and subsequent impeachment. The crash raises concerns over Boeing’s safety standards, as the company has faced quality control incidents throughout the year, including the mid-air blowout of a door plug on an Alaska Airlines flight in January. Questions have been raised by experts regarding the crash, including why fire tenders did not lay foam on the runway, why they were not in attendance when the plane touched down, and why the aircraft touched down so far down the runway. Additionally, the presence of a brick wall at the end of the runway has been questioned.
Experts have pointed out that while bird strikes and landing gear problems are not uncommon, typically, they do not result in the complete loss of an airplane. Australian aviation experts have stated that a bird strike would not usually prevent the landing gear from being extended and that the engines would not shut down immediately, giving the pilots time to manage the situation. The reason for the plane not decelerating after hitting the runway remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash. Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and stated that the exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined, with full responsibility being taken by the airline.
The South Korean government is conducting an investigation into the crash to determine the factors that led to the fatal incident. The flight data recorder from the plane’s black box has been recovered, and efforts are being made to locate the cockpit voice recorders. Boeing has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and stated that they are in contact with Jeju Air regarding the incident, offering their support. The tragic crash highlights the importance of aviation safety and the need for thorough investigations to prevent similar incidents in the future. As details emerge from the investigation, more information about the cause of the crash and potential safety implications may come to light.
