6th January 2025 – (Seoul) The devastating crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 at the end of last year resulted in the loss of 179 lives, with only two survivors. Recent reports from South Korean broadcaster SBS have unveiled new insights into the tragedy, indicating that the aircraft may have collided with a massive flock of birds, significantly larger than the plane itself.
On 29th December, 2024, at 8.57am, the control tower at Wusan Airport issued a bird strike warning to the flight. Shortly thereafter, the pilot encountered the flock during the first landing attempt, repeatedly calling out “MAYDAY” in distress. Despite efforts to regain altitude, the aircraft ultimately belly-landed, veering off the runway and crashing into a concrete base of the Instrument Landing System, resulting in a catastrophic explosion.
SBS released footage from surveillance cameras that captured the moments leading up to the crash, enhanced through artificial intelligence to improve clarity. Analysis by experts revealed a large, dark mass in the air, suspected to be a significant flock of birds rather than smoke or cloud, indicating a potential collision.
According to forensic imaging expert Hwang Min-ku, the size and density of the mass suggest it was composed of hundreds of birds, flying towards the aircraft. The footage showed the birds forming a distinct V-shape as they moved, indicating a substantial number that could exceed the size of the aircraft by at least tenfold.
The analysis further suggests that the dual engine failures experienced by Flight 7C2216 were likely caused by the ingestion of multiple birds, rather than just one or two. This catastrophic event underscores the critical importance of bird strike prevention measures in aviation safety.
In the wake of the crash, South Korea’s government announced on Monday that Muan International Airport will remain shutdown for an additional week, extending the closure to 14th January. This decision follows the ongoing investigation into the incident, which is the deadliest air accident in South Korea’s history. The airport was initially scheduled to reopen on Tuesday after the 29th December crash.
A joint investigation team is intensifying its efforts, with two Korean investigators set to depart for the United States on Monday, carrying flight data recorders for analysis by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. These black boxes, which include both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, contain crucial information regarding the crash.
Investigators have already compiled the complete transcript from the cockpit voice recorder recovered from the wreckage of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800. However, it remains uncertain whether this transcript will be made public.
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