Jeju Air Jet Crash: Pilot Reported Bird Strike Before Crash

A Jeju Air flight carrying 162 passengers and crew crashed near Seoul on Sunday after its pilot reported a bird strike and declared an emergency, according to South Korea's Transport Ministry.

The pilot alerted air traffic control moments before the crash, stating the aircraft had suffered engine trouble following the bird strike. No casualties were reported, but the incident has sparked renewed debates about aviation safety and wildlife management near airports.

Transport Ministry officials confirmed the plane was attempting an emergency landing when it veered off the runway. Investigators are analyzing flight data and cockpit recordings to determine the exact cause.

Bird strikes remain a global challenge for aviation, with over 17,000 incidents reported worldwide annually. This crash highlights the risks even for short-haul flights—Jeju Air is a popular budget carrier for travelers exploring South Korea's scenic Jeju Island.

Reference(s):

Pilot of South Korean plane said there was a bird strike before crash

cgtn.com