Investigation into Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 Crash: Examining Birdstrike Theory and Other Factors

People in black holding white roses in a line.

The Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crash in South Korea, initially attributed to a bird strike, is now under intense scrutiny as investigators dig deeper into the tragedy that claimed 179 lives.

At a Glance

Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed at Muan International Airport, killing 179 people
Initial reports cited a bird strike, but experts urge a broader investigation
The plane attempted to land without deployed landing gear, hitting a concrete wall
Investigators are focusing on the critical four minutes between the bird strike report and the crash
South Korean authorities will inspect all 737-800s operated by domestic airlines

Tragic Crash Unfolds at Muan Airport

On December 30, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, returning from Thailand, crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft attempted to land without its landing gear deployed, striking a concrete wall and bursting into flames. This catastrophic event resulted in 179 fatalities, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea in decades.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry and the international community. World leaders, including President Joe Biden, have expressed their condolences and support. South Korea has declared a seven-day mourning period for the victims, reflecting the profound impact of this disaster on the nation.

Aviation expert John Nance analyzes the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 plane disaster that left 179 dead, saying that an encounter with birds may have contributed to the crash — one of the deadliest aviation incidents in South Korea’s history. pic.twitter.com/UTDHP4B2sg

— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) December 31, 2024

Investigation Focuses on Critical Minutes

Investigators are meticulously examining the events that transpired in the crucial four minutes between the reported bird strike and the crash. The pilot’s last communication, as reported, was a distress call: “Mayday, mayday, mayday, bird strike, bird strike, going around.” This statement has become a focal point for investigators seeking to understand the sequence of events leading to the tragedy.

“I think the thing that has stumped a lot of aviation experts is why that aircraft came in with its wheels up and its flaps not deployed. Obviously, before landing, you like to have both of those, the flaps down and the gear down. So the question was, why would the crew elect to do this?” – Miles O’Brien

The recovery of two black boxes from the crash site is expected to provide crucial data. One of these devices, the flight data recorder, has been sent to the United States for analysis. This international cooperation underscores the global importance of understanding and preventing such tragedies.

Examining Multiple Factors

While the initial focus was on the reported bird strike, aviation experts are urging a comprehensive investigation that considers all potential factors. The failure to deploy landing gear is a key area of inquiry, with possible explanations ranging from hydraulic system failures to crew error under extreme stress.

“I flew 737s for 10 years as a captain, and I can say that the landing gear can be manually deployed, so the real question will be, what set up the sequence of events here? Did the bird strike set up the sequence of events where the crew got rushed and did not deploy the landing gear? I doubt that there was any sort of a malfunction with the gear, given that it can be deployed manually and through the normal means.” – Robert Sumwalt

The runway design at Muan Airport, particularly the presence of a concrete barrier, is also under scrutiny. Some experts question whether this design element contributed to the high fatality rate of the crash. This aspect of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for runway safety standards worldwide.

Industry and Regulatory Response

In the wake of this tragedy, South Korean authorities have announced a comprehensive inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by domestic airlines. This move reflects the gravity of the situation and the commitment to ensuring passenger safety.

The crash has also had immediate financial repercussions, with Boeing’s share price experiencing a significant drop. Jeju Air, known for its excellent safety record, has had to cancel numerous flights, disrupting travel plans and highlighting the broader impact of such incidents on the aviation industry.

As the investigation continues, the aviation community and the public await answers that could lead to improved safety measures and prevent future tragedies. The Jeju Air crash serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of rigorous safety protocols and continuous improvement in aviation safety standards.