Aviation expert questions the validity of bird strike theory in the South Korean plane crash: "It doesn't add up"

The fiery South Korean plane crash, attributed to failed landing gear, has sparked numerous speculations about the possibility of other factors contributing to the disaster.

Aviation consultant Mike Boyd stated on Planet Chronicle Sunday that there are numerous backups on this airplane, making it extremely safe. Despite this, many people are questioning why the airplane was landed on that runway at that speed with no flaps or gear. There may have been other factors involved in the landing, Boyd explained.

"Although a bird strike on an engine could potentially shut down the engine, the numerous redundant systems make it incomprehensible. Despite not being in complete darkness, we are aware that the runway is 9,200 feet long. The plane arrived hot and fast, but we are unsure why this was the true problem."

According to reports, witnesses to the deadly crash that claimed the lives of 179 people observed flames in the aircraft's engine and heard explosions. One eyewitness described seeing a "flash of light" followed by smoke, while another said the plane was unable to land on its first attempt and had to circle back around before the crash occurred.

The Yonhap News Agency reported that authorities are probing a possible landing gear failure resulting from a bird strike that might have led to the crash.

"Boyd stated that the airplane may have been damaged more than expected due to factors other than the bird strike. The airplane's landing on the runway while still going strong raises suspicion about other events that may have occurred."

On Sunday, a Jeju Air flight crashed into a concrete fence at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, leaving only two survivors out of 181 onboard.

A 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 jet crashed on the runway after its landing gear failed to deploy, causing black smoke to billow into the sky.

Boyd noted that the gear and flaps were not extended, indicating a major hydraulic failure.

"Despite a hydraulic failure, there is a mechanical method to drop the landing gear. However, this was not done. We are in the dark until we locate the cockpit voice recorder and black box for this incident, as it appears to have been caused by a bird strike from an earlier image. The airplane was vectored to the other end of the runway, providing control, but landing at this speed or descending at that speed with the gear not deployed, the airplane likely suffered a significant hydraulic failure."

Boeing is in contact with Jeju Air regarding the flight and is prepared to assist them.

Our deepest condolences go to the families who have lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.

The worst aviation-related disaster in the country's history is currently being labeled as such.

This report was contributed to by Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Chris Pandolfo, and Landon Mion of Planet Chronicle.