Bird Strike and Landing Gear Failure Under Scrutiny in South Korea Boeing Crash Investigation

The investigation into South Korea's most serious civil aviation accident is focusing on a possible bird strike and an unusual landing gear failure. The accident occurred on Sunday morning involving a Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air Co., resulting in the deaths of 179 out of 181 passengers. The only survivors were two cabin crew members.

The aircraft crashed at Muan International Airport, skidding along the runway and colliding with a wall, which ignited a fire. Despite the extensive damage to the plane, investigators have valuable data to help reconstruct the incident, including two flight recorders retrieved from the wreckage. However, the flight data device has been damaged and may require additional time for analysis.

Video footage taken during the aircraft's approach shows one of its engines on fire. Other videos depict the plane skidding along the runway at high speed, appearing largely intact before ultimately colliding with the embankment.

Investigators will also examine other factors, such as the airline's adherence to safety protocols, the airport's bird strike prevention measures, and whether the plane's power systems were shut down prior to the accident. This information was shared by transportation ministry officials during a briefing on Monday.

The investigation will also assess the role of the localizer, a device designed to guide the aircraft during landing, in the accident.

Authorities are demonstrating an open approach to various possible scenarios as they prepare to initiate a joint investigation involving officials from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, who are expected to arrive in South Korea this evening, and to access the two recorders.