Seoul, South Korea — The pilot of the Jeju Air jet that crashed on Sunday had reported a bird strike and declared a mayday shortly before the tragic incident, a Transport Ministry official revealed on Monday during a media briefing.
The aircraft, operating a domestic flight, went down after the pilot communicated with air traffic control about the emergency situation. The pilot reported that the aircraft had suffered a bird strike, which can cause significant damage to aircraft engines and systems, leading to critical failures.
“Shortly before the crash, the pilot informed air traffic control of a bird strike and declared a mayday,” the Transport Ministry official stated. “We are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash.”
Emergency response teams were dispatched to the crash site to assist with rescue operations and to secure the area for investigators. The number of passengers and crew on board, as well as details about casualties, are yet to be confirmed by authorities.
Bird strikes pose a serious risk to aviation safety, particularly during takeoff and landing phases when aircraft are at lower altitudes. Aviation experts note that while modern aircraft are designed to withstand such impacts, severe strikes can lead to engine failure and loss of control.
The Transport Ministry, along with aviation safety agencies, is expected to analyze flight data recorders and cockpit voice recordings to piece together the events leading up to the crash. Jeju Air representatives have expressed their condolences and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
The incident has prompted discussions about reinforcing measures to mitigate bird strike risks around airports, including wildlife management and advanced detection systems. As families of the victims await answers, the nation mourns the loss and looks toward enhancing aviation safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
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Pilot of South Korean plane said there was a bird strike before crash
cgtn.com
