The devastating crash of Jeju Air flight 7C2216 at Muan International Airport in South Korea’s Jeolla Province on December 29 has sent shockwaves through the aviation community. The incident, which claimed 176 lives, has prompted an urgent investigation into the factors that led to this catastrophic event. Aviation expert Alvin Lie has identified a suspected failure in the aircraft’s hydraulic system as a probable cause, shedding light on the potential mechanical shortcomings that may have contributed to the tragedy.
The Boeing 737-800 had departed from Bangkok and was nearing the end of its journey when trouble began. At 8:57 a.m. local time, air traffic controllers issued a bird strike warning, signaling the presence of birds near the flight path. Just one minute later, the pilot declared a mayday, indicating a critical situation. By 9:00 a.m., the aircraft attempted an emergency landing, but what followed was a tragic sequence of events. The plane skidded off the runway, collided with the airport’s perimeter fence, and burst into flames, leaving a scene of devastation in its wake.
Alvin Lie’s analysis of the incident highlights a series of mechanical failures that likely played a central role in the disaster. Video evidence and eyewitness accounts suggest that the landing gear failed to deploy, and the wing flaps were not configured correctly for landing. These issues forced the aircraft to approach the runway at an excessively high speed, drastically reducing the crew’s ability to control the descent. “A hydraulic system failure is the most plausible explanation for the landing gear and flap malfunctions. This created an almost insurmountable challenge for the pilot during the emergency landing,” Lie stated.
The bird strike warning has been a point of contention in the aftermath of the crash, but Lie has downplayed its significance as a primary cause. He explained that modern aircraft are equipped with robust systems designed to handle bird strikes without compromising safety. “Even if a bird strike occurred, it is unlikely to have caused the level of mechanical failure seen in this incident. The focus should be on the aircraft’s hydraulic and operational systems,” he argued.
The moments leading up to the crash were marked by chaos and terror. Witnesses reported seeing sparks and smoke trailing from the aircraft as it approached the runway. The high-speed landing attempt ended in disaster as the plane veered off course, struck the perimeter fence, and exploded. Emergency response teams faced immense challenges in accessing the wreckage and rescuing survivors, with many passengers succumbing to injuries and the subsequent fire.
The investigation now hinges on the analysis of the black box, which contains the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR). These devices are expected to reveal critical details about the technical state of the aircraft and the decisions made by the crew in the moments preceding the crash. “The black box will provide the answers we need to understand this tragedy fully. It is essential for identifying the root cause and preventing similar incidents in the future,” Lie emphasized.
As authorities continue their inquiry, Jeju Air has grounded its fleet of Boeing 737-800s as a precautionary measure and pledged to cooperate fully with investigators. Meanwhile, the tragedy has sparked widespread calls for enhanced safety measures and more stringent oversight of aircraft maintenance and operations. For the families of the victims and the aviation community at large, the search for answers continues, with the hope that lessons learned from this disaster will lead to a safer future for all.
