Seoul Crash Investigation Uncovers Bird Strike in Both Engines
Overview of the Crash
A devastating plane crash in South Korea last month resulted in the loss of 179 lives, with only two crew members surviving the disaster. The Boeing 737-800 jet, which departed from Bangkok, Thailand, crashing on the runway in Muan county, southwestern South Korea, and bursting into flames after hitting an embankment.
Bird Strike Investigation
Investigations have revealed that the plane experienced a bird strike, with feathers found on one of the engines, and video footage showing a bird strike on an engine. The pilot declared an emergency and attempted to land on the opposite end of the runway, but the plane overshot and crashed.
Challenges in Investigating the Crash
The investigation faces significant challenges, with the plane’s two black boxes, crucial to determining the cause of the crash, stopping recording about four minutes before the accident. This has raised concerns that all power, including backup, may have been cut, which is a rare occurrence.
Expert Insights
Sim Jai-dong, a former transport ministry accident investigator, commented on the surprising lack of data, suggesting that all power may have been lost. Bird strikes that impact both engines are rare occurrences in aviation globally, but there have been successful cases of pilots landing the plane without fatalities in such situations, such as the "Miracle on the Hudson" river landing in the U.S. in 2009 and a cornfield landing in Russia in 2019.
Conclusion
The investigation into the Seoul crash continues, with investigators working to piece together the events leading up to the disaster. The findings highlight the importance of bird strike prevention measures and the need for further research into the causes of such incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the cause of the Seoul plane crash?
A: The probable cause of the crash is a bird strike, which damaged both engines and led to a loss of power.
Q: How many people were killed in the crash?
A: 179 people lost their lives in the crash.
Q: How many crew members survived the crash?
A: Only two crew members survived the crash.
Q: What was the type of aircraft involved in the crash?
A: The Boeing 737-800 jet was involved in the crash.