Mon Dec 30 01:53:11 UTC 2024: ## South Korea Plane Crash Kills 179

**Muan, South Korea** – A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport on Sunday claimed the lives of 179 passengers aboard Jeju Air flight 7C2216. The flight, arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, skidded off the runway upon landing, struck a wall, and burst into flames. Only two crew members survived.

The incident is one of the deadliest aviation accidents in South Korean history. Investigators are exploring several possible causes, including a potential bird strike. Airport authorities and Korean media cited a bird strike warning issued by the control tower shortly before the pilots declared a mayday. However, whether the aircraft actually struck birds remains unconfirmed.

While bird strikes are common, they rarely result in such catastrophic consequences. Most bird strikes damage the aircraft’s exterior or engine, but generally don’t lead to complete loss of control. However, a bird strike during the critical landing phase could have distracted the pilots and contributed to the accident. The investigation will focus on determining the exact sequence of events leading up to the crash.

The incident has prompted renewed focus on bird strike prevention measures at airports worldwide. Strategies to mitigate this risk include managing waste disposal sites that attract birds and actively reducing bird populations near runways.

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