Aviation experts are questioning whether a bird strike alone could explain Sunday’s tragic plane crash in South Korea, which claimed the lives of all but two of the 181 people on board.
The devastating incident, involving a Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air, unfolded as the plane attempted to land in Muan, about 290 kilometers south of Seoul, after a flight from Bangkok. Dramatic footage aired on South Korean television shows the jet skidding across the runway at high speed with its landing gear still retracted. It then slammed into a wall, triggering a massive explosion and sending thick black smoke billowing into the air.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation, but they caution it could take months to determine the exact cause as they analyze the plane’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders. While a potential bird strike has been mentioned as one factor, experts believe there’s likely more to the story.
A Closer Look at the Crash
The chief of Muan’s fire station, Lee Jeong-hyeon, said the plane was completely destroyed, with only the tail assembly identifiable in the wreckage. Investigators are looking into whether birds struck the aircraft after the control tower warned the crew of bird activity and offered an alternative landing zone. The crew sent out a distress signal moments before the crash.
Experts Weigh In
Professor Ron Bartsch, an aviation expert, told that while bird strikes can pose serious risks, they’re unlikely to cause such a catastrophic outcome on their own.
“I suspect bird strike or weather may have been a contributing factor, but it’s pretty unlikely that a bird strike alone would prevent the landing gear from deploying,” Bartsch said.
The fact that the plane attempted to land without its landing gear suggests a larger mechanical or operational issue, Bartsch added.
“Pilots would know the high risks of landing without reverse thrust or flaps to slow the aircraft. It’s possible there was something more sinister at play on board the aircraft,” he speculated.
The Aircraft’s Record
Bartsch described the Boeing 737-800 as a reliable and well-used aircraft, often referred to as an aviation “workhorse.” He noted it’s extensively operated by airlines like Qantas and Virgin in Australia.
However, other aviation experts have pointed to potential mechanical issues. John Cox, a retired airline pilot and CEO of Safety Operating Systems, suggested a hydraulic failure could have been involved, especially since the pilots didn’t deploy flaps or slats to slow the aircraft during landing.
“The plane was under control and flying straight until it hit the wall,” Cox said. “That wall being so close to the runway turned what might have been a manageable situation into a catastrophe.”
A Dangerous Landing
Ross “Rusty” Aimer, CEO of Aero Consulting Experts, highlighted another factor: the plane appeared to have used up most of the runway before touching down. Without the landing gear and proper braking systems, the jet skidded on its engine cowlings, likening the situation to “skidding on ice.”
What’s Next?
While investigators work to uncover the truth, questions remain about whether this tragedy was caused by a combination of mechanical failure, pilot decisions, or other unforeseen issues. As the aviation world waits for answers, families of the victims and the two survivors face the long road of recovery and closure.
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