[Muan Airport Crash] Flock of Birds Strikes Right Engine, Fire Erupts... Belly Landing

Jeonnam Fire Headquarters Briefs on Accident Overview
Attempted 'Second Landing' After Circling in the Air
Explosion After Hitting Outer Wall to Prevent Damage to Residences
Recovering Bodies from Inside the Fuselage

On the morning of the 29th, firefighters are extinguishing a fire and rescuing people at the site of an aircraft crash at Muan International Airport in Jeonnam. Photo by Youngseo Seo

According to the Jeonnam Fire Department, the passenger plane that was scheduled to arrive at Muan International Airport in Jeonnam at 8:30 a.m. on the 29th approached the airport around 8:20 a.m. to prepare for landing, but collided with a flock of birds at an altitude of 200 meters above ground, causing flames to erupt from the right engine.

During a briefing, the Jeonnam Fire Department stated that the aircraft's captain raised the nose and circled above the airport while communicating with the control tower after the landing gear failed to operate, and decided to attempt a second landing.

Subsequently, around 9:05 a.m., a second landing attempt was made, and the fire authorities were on standby near the runway in preparation. However, the engine system deteriorated, causing the electrical and hydraulic systems to fail, and the landing gear did not deploy.

The fire authorities explained that if the landing gear malfunction had been detected in advance, it would have been possible to dump all the fuel and apply materials to the runway surface to reduce friction and cool the flames, but the situation was extremely urgent.

Moreover, as the flames from the right engine spread, smoke and toxic gases entered the cabin, leading to the abandonment of a third landing attempt and the decision to carry out an emergency belly landing.

At the time of approach, the landing angle of the fuselage was appropriate, and the aircraft was switched to manual mode, relying on wing reverse thrust to decelerate, but steering was virtually impossible.

The aircraft appeared to land while sliding along the runway, but collided with the outer wall at the far end of the runway designed to prevent damage to nearby residential areas, resulting in an explosion and engulfment in flames.

Meanwhile, fire authorities stated that they are currently retrieving bodies from inside the fuselage, but due to severe damage to the aircraft, identification of the victims is difficult.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.