As investigations unfold into the deadliest plane crash in South Korean history, aviation experts are expressing skepticism over the claim that a bird strike caused the tragedy of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, which resulted in the deaths of 179 of the 181 passengers on board. The flight, arriving from Bangkok, faced a disastrous landing at Muan International Airport early Sunday morning.

Initial reports indicate that the aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, landed without deploying its landing gear, skidding down the runway before colliding with a brick wall, bursting into flames upon impact. Eyewitness accounts and video footage revealed the horrifying moments leading up to the incident, as fire crews appeared unprepared for such an emergency, raising further questions about safety protocols.

Experts have been left with more questions than answers, as authorities confirmed a mayday declaration was made by the pilots only a minute after air traffic controllers issued a bird strike warning. Gregory Alegi, an aviation specialist, remarked, "At this point, there are a lot more questions than we have answers," highlighting concerns about the aircraft's speed, the failure of its landing systems, and the decisions made in the moments leading up to the crash.

The South Korean Transport Minister Joo Jong-wan has stated that investigations would consider all potential factors, including weather conditions, while maintaining that the runway's length was adequate for safe landings. The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered, with analysis expected to provide crucial insights, although reports indicate the voice recorder has sustained damage, complicating the process of understanding the sequence of events.

Despite initial speculation that a bird strike could have caused the undercarriage malfunction, experts suggest that while bird strikes are common, they rarely lead to catastrophic outcomes. Geoffrey Dell, an Australian airline safety expert, commented, "I’ve never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended," emphasizing the need for further investigation into the myriad factors that may have contributed to this incident.

The captain, with over 6,800 flight hours, and the first officer, who was relatively new to the role with around 1,650 hours, were both experienced pilots. The 737-800 is known for its safety record, suggesting that operational or mechanical failures might have played a more significant role in this tragedy than previously thought.

Looking forward, South Korea will lead the investigation into the crash with assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board from the United States, where the aircraft was manufactured. As experts gather and analyze the data from the recorders, they hope to answer the many pressing questions surrounding the tragedy.

For more details on the ongoing investigation and expert opinions, visit the original article at South China Morning Post.