South Korea's worst aviation disaster raises questions as experts challenge initial reports of a bird strike as the primary cause of the tragic incident.
According to the New York Post, aviation expert Professor Ron Bartsch suggests a more "sinister" explanation might be behind the Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crash that claimed 179 lives at Muan Airport.
The devastating crash occurred just after 9 a.m. local time on Sunday when the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, arriving from Thailand, skidded on the runway before colliding with a concrete barrier and erupting into flames. Among the victims were five children under 10 years old, including a three-year-old boy traveling with his parents after their first overseas family vacation.
Jeju Air's chief executive Kim Yi-bae defended the airline's maintenance procedures during a press conference in Seoul, emphasizing their strict safety protocols. The company maintains a ratio of 12.9 maintenance workers per airplane, an increase from 12 in 2019. Despite these assurances, the airline announced plans to reduce winter air traffic by 10-15% to accommodate additional maintenance work.
Speaking on Australia's "Today" show, aviation expert Professor Ron Bartsch expressed skepticism about the initial explanations. He stated:
I suspect that the initial reports that have indicated that birdstrike or weather may have been a contributing factor, but to me, that's pretty unlikely that a birdstrike alone would be sufficient to bring down an aircraft or to foresee landing gear not to be able to be operative.
The airline has begun preparing compensation for victims' families, including coverage of funeral expenses. The tragedy has prompted South Korea to declare seven days of mourning, with New Year celebrations canceled and flags flying at half-mast.
Transport officials have launched a comprehensive investigation into the role of the concrete barrier in the disaster. The dramatic footage showing the aircraft's collision with the barrier has prompted scrutiny of airport infrastructure standards.
Deputy Minister for Civil Aviation, Joo Jong-wan, confirmed that the Accident Investigation Committee would thoroughly examine whether the concrete structure contributed to the severity of the crash. The investigation will also review existing regulations regarding airport safety barriers.
The incident has particularly devastated one family who lost nine members, including the oldest passenger on the plane who was taking his first-ever overseas trip to celebrate his birthday. As of Tuesday, authorities began releasing victims' bodies to families, with four completed handover procedures for funeral arrangements.
Transport Minister Park Sang-woo provided updates from Muan Airport regarding the ongoing process of identifying victims and returning remains to families. The magnitude of the disaster has prompted a nationwide response, with multiple government agencies coordinating efforts to support bereaved families.
Director-general for airport policy Kim Hong-rak acknowledged concerns about the airport's infrastructure, particularly the use of concrete in the barrier. Officials are now reviewing relevant regulations and their application to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The airline's CEO emphasized that pilots were trained to regulation standards, with access to two full flight simulators. However, questions remain about the series of events that led to the catastrophic landing attempt.
The Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crash stands as South Korea's deadliest aviation disaster, claiming 179 lives at Muan Airport on December 30, 2024. As investigators examine multiple factors, including the controversial concrete barrier and initial bird strike theory, aviation experts suggest more complex explanations behind the tragedy. The ongoing investigation, coupled with the airline's commitment to enhanced safety measures and reduced winter operations, reflects the profound impact of this catastrophic event on South Korea's aviation industry and its people.
