SEOUL — A Jeju Air jet crashed on Sunday after the pilot reported a bird strike and declared a mayday, a Transport Ministry official announced during a media briefing on Monday.
The pilot informed air traffic control that the aircraft had suffered a bird strike shortly before the plane went down, according to the official.
Rescue operations are underway as emergency services have been dispatched to the crash site. The number of passengers on board and any casualties have yet to be confirmed.
Jeju Air, a South Korean low-cost carrier, operates domestic and international flights across Asia. The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety and the risks that bird strikes pose to aircraft.
Bird strikes are a common hazard in aviation, occurring when birds collide with aircraft during flight. Such incidents can cause significant damage to engines and critical systems, potentially leading to catastrophic failures.
The Transport Ministry has launched an investigation into the crash, focusing on the circumstances leading up to the accident, including the reported bird strike.
Families of the passengers are being notified, and Jeju Air is expected to release an official statement addressing the incident.
The aviation industry may review safety protocols to mitigate the risks of bird strikes, aiming to enhance preventive measures and ensure passenger safety.
Reference(s):
Pilot of South Korean plane said there was a bird strike before crash
cgtn.com
