South Korean Boeing crash investigation focuses on bird strike, landing gear failure

Investing.com -- The investigation into South Korea's most severe civil aviation accident is focusing on a potential bird strike and an unusual landing gear failure. The accident, which took place on a Sunday morning, involved a Boeing Co (NYSE:BA ). 737-800 aircraft operated by Jeju Air Co. and resulted in the death of 179 out of 181 passengers. The only survivors were two flight attendants.

The aircraft crashed at Muan International Airport, skidding along the runway on its belly before colliding with a wall and bursting into flames. Despite the extensive damage to the aircraft, investigators have valuable data to aid in reconstructing the event. This includes the two flight recorders, which have been retrieved from the wreckage. However, the flight data device is damaged and may require additional time for analysis.

Video footage of the aircraft during its approach shows one engine seemingly flaming out. Other videos show the plane sliding along the runway at high speed, appearing largely intact, before the eventual collision with the embankment.

Investigators will also examine other factors, such as adherence to safety protocols by the airliner's personnel, the airport's bird strike prevention measures, and whether the plane's power system was shut down prior to the crash. This was shared by transport ministry officials at a briefing on Monday.

The investigation will also consider the role of the localizer, an instrument designed to guide the plane's landing, in the crash.

Authorities are keeping an open mind to various possible scenarios as they prepare to open the two recorders and begin the joint investigation with officials from the US National Transportation Safety Board, who are scheduled to arrive in South Korea this evening.

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Source: Investing.com