A devastating plane crash in South Korea brings a nation into mourning as investigators search for answers.
According to the New York Post, aviation expert Professor Ron Bartsch has challenged initial reports suggesting birdstrike as the primary cause of the Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crash that claimed 179 lives at Muan Airport.
The December 30 crash, which occurred just after 9 a.m. local time, has become South Korea's worst aviation disaster, prompting the cancellation of New Year celebrations and the lowering of flags to half-mast. 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 holiday.
Jeju Air chief executive Kim Yi-bae has confirmed that pre-flight inspections showed no irregularities with the aircraft. The airline maintains strict maintenance protocols, with 12.9 maintenance workers per airplane, an increase from 12 in 2019. In response to the tragedy, the airline has announced plans to reduce air traffic by 10 to 15 percent this winter to accommodate additional maintenance work.
The airline is preparing compensation for victims' families, including funeral cost coverage. Transport Minister Park Sang-woo announced that the bodies of four victims have been released to their families, with funerals beginning on Tuesday.
One particularly tragic aspect of the disaster involves a family that lost nine members, including the oldest passenger on the plane who was taking his first-ever overseas trip to celebrate his birthday.
Aviation expert Professor Ron Bartsch shared his skepticism about the initial explanations, stating:
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 investigation has expanded to examine the role of the concrete barrier in the disaster, following footage showing the Boeing 737-800 aircraft colliding with it before bursting into flames. Director-general for airport policy Kim Hong-rak acknowledged that the government would review relevant regulations and their application.
Deputy Minister for Civil Aviation, Joo Jong-wan, emphasized that the Accident Investigation Committee would thoroughly investigate whether the concrete structure exacerbated the damage. The inquiry has become increasingly complex as investigators consider multiple factors that may have contributed to the catastrophic outcome.
The devastating crash has triggered intense scrutiny of landing procedures and airport infrastructure. Jeju Air's commitment to safety standards is being examined despite their assertion of following strict maintenance protocols and proper pilot training procedures.
Kim Yi-bae defended the airline's maintenance practices, stating that flight clearance would have been impossible without proper safety sign-offs. The company's training standards, including the use of two full-flight simulators, are part of their comprehensive safety program.
The impact on the local community has been profound, with South Korea observing seven days of mourning. The disaster has sparked discussions about aviation safety standards and emergency response protocols at regional airports.
The Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crash, occurring during a routine flight from Thailand to South Korea, has become the country's deadliest aviation disaster, claiming 179 lives at Muan Airport. As investigators examine multiple factors, including the controversial concrete barrier and initial birdstrike theory, the aviation community awaits conclusive findings that could reshape safety protocols and airport infrastructure requirements.
