Could a Bird Strike or Technical Glitch Be to Blame? 179 Dead in Jeju Air Flight from Bangkok to Muan, South Korea

Sunday, December 29, 2024

A devastating tragedy unfolded on Sunday as a Jeju Air flight from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to Muan International Airport crash-landed, leaving 179 people dead. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, slid down the runway on its belly before bursting into flames, marking one of South Korea’s deadliest aviation disasters in decades. Investigators are probing possible causes, including a bird strike or a technical glitch.

The Crash: A Nation in Mourning

Jeju Air flight 7C 2216, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, crashed just after 9 a.m. local time at Muan International Airport. The plane skidded at high speed, with no visible landing gear, before colliding with an embankment and erupting into flames. The crash left 179 people dead, with only two survivors—a male and a female crew member.

Among the victims were 84 males, 85 females, and 10 individuals whose identities remain undetermined. Two Thai nationals were also onboard, while the remaining passengers were South Korean.

Investigating Possible Causes: Bird Strike or Technical Glitch?

Authorities are investigating whether a bird strike or a technical failure led to the crash. Air traffic controllers reportedly warned the pilot about bird strike risks shortly before the incident. One of the surviving crew members mentioned a possible bird strike during rescue efforts.

Muan International Airport has recorded the highest bird strike rate among South Korea’s regional airports, with 10 incidents reported between 2019 and August 2023. Although the absolute numbers are low, the bird strike rate of 0.09% of flights significantly exceeds that of major airports like Gimpo (0.018%) and Jeju (0.013%). Experts attribute Muan’s vulnerability to its location near fields and coastal areas.

Aviation experts stress that bird strikes can cause catastrophic damage, especially during takeoff or landing. Nationwide bird strike incidents have risen steadily, from 108 in 2019 to 152 in 2023, possibly due to climate change. Migratory birds are increasingly becoming permanent residents, altering the risks airports face. South Korean airports are exploring advanced solutions, such as AI and radar systems, to mitigate these dangers.

Technical failure is also under scrutiny. Investigators are examining whether the aircraft’s undercarriage malfunctioned, as footage shows the plane sliding on its belly. Jeju Air’s CEO reported no prior issues with the aircraft, which passed all maintenance checks before the flight.

Black Box and Cockpit Recorder Key to Unraveling the Mystery

The flight data recorder has been recovered and is expected to provide critical information. However, the cockpit voice recorder, another vital investigative tool, is still missing. Early reports suggest the control tower directed the pilot to change course shortly before the crash, possibly to avoid a bird strike. A mayday call followed shortly after.

Rescue and Recovery Efforts

Over 700 personnel, including police, military, and coast guard, have been mobilized to assist in rescue and recovery operations. One of the survivors, a 33-year-old flight attendant, is awake and communicating with medical staff. Her account may shed further light on the events leading to the crash.

Government Response Amid Political Uncertainty

Acting President Choi Sang-mok has declared the crash site a special disaster zone, promising comprehensive support for victims’ families and a thorough investigation. “We will mobilize all necessary resources to ensure recovery and prevent similar incidents,” Choi stated. The tragedy comes at a time of political upheaval, with Choi stepping into his role only days before the crash.

A Nation Waits for Answers

As investigators work to uncover the truth behind the crash, questions linger. Could a bird strike or a technical glitch have caused such devastation? With 179 lives lost, this tragedy underscores the importance of addressing both natural and mechanical risks in aviation. The world awaits clarity as South Korea mourns its deadliest air disaster in decades.

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