In brief
Investigations are underway regarding the potential causes, including bird strikes and landing gear failure.
In a devastating incident, a Boeing 737-800 crashed while attempting to land at Muan Airport in South Korea, claiming the lives of 179 out of 181 passengers and crew on board. As authorities begin their investigation, they are exploring various causes for the crash, such as a possible bird strike and a malfunction of the landing gear. Bird strikes are a common issue faced by aircraft, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reporting that from 1988 to 2023, wildlife strikes led to the tragic deaths of 76 individuals in the U.S. alone. In 2023, there were 19,603 reported wildlife strikes, averaging 54 per day, and 3.6% resulted in aircraft damage. Past incidents, including the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash in March 2019, highlight the dangers associated with bird strikes in aviation, prompting further scrutiny into safety measures for future flights.
