Bird strike, bad weather suspected causes of Jeju Air crash in South Korea

The tragedy occurred moments after the Boeing 737-800 aircraft attempted a belly landing. Videos of the crash show the plane dragging along its underbody before colliding with a wall.

The aircraft, flying from Bangkok, Thailand, to Muan, had 181 people on board.

However, South Korean media MBC reported 179 people were killed while two people, one passenger and one crew member were pulled out of the debris.

BBC reports this figure at 177 people.

According to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, the national fire agency has said it rescued two passengers, while all others are feared dead.

Failed landing attempt captured on video

Footage from the incident depicts the aircraft sliding on its belly before striking a wall and erupting in flames.

Belly landings are typically executed during landing gear malfunctions.

Yonhap News, quoting airport authorities, stated that the pilot attempted a crash landing after a standard landing failed likely due to a bird strike.

"Witnesses cited signs that the plane's landing gear, such as tires, remained unactivated, possibly sending it to attempt a crash landing, with a bird collision presumed to be the cause of the malfunction," the report stated.

Questions arise over emergency response measures

The crash has sparked discussion on social media, including former pilots, ahd critical questions are being raised.

One point of contention is the plane's high speed while landing on a runway shorter than 3 km.

Others questioned why firefighters were not pre-positioned near the runway if the belly landing was anticipated.

Further, the plane's trajectory raised concerns, as it did not circle the airport before attempting the belly landing, a common procedure when technical malfunctions occur, allowing pilots time to assess solutions.

Bird strike and bad weather considered possible causes

Muan fire station chief Lee Jeong-hyun addressed the media, highlighting adverse weather as a contributing factor to the disaster.

Low-cost airline Jeju Air apologised for the crash and said it would do all it could to help.

"We at Jeju Air will do everything in our power in response to this accident. We sincerely apologise for causing concern," the airline said in a statement posted on social media.

South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok said, "I believe no words of consolation would suffice for the bereaved families who have suffered this tragedy. The entire government is working closely together to manage the aftermath of the accident, dedicating all available resources, while making every effort to ensure thorough support for the bereaved families"

"The cause of the accident is presumed to be a bird strike combined with adverse weather conditions. However, the exact cause will be announced following a joint investigation," he explained.