Recent reports from South Korean media, including CNN affiliate JTBC, shed light on a chilling exchange between a passenger and their friend moments before the tragic crash-landing of a Jeju Air flight. The passenger, using the Korean messaging platform KakaoTalk, informed their friend that a bird had struck the plane, causing concern about the ability to land safely.
At 9 a.m. local time on Sunday, the passenger's message read, 'Wait a minute… we can’t land because a bird (or birds) caught in our wing.' The conversation took a somber turn when the passenger contemplated leaving their last words before contact was lost.
Following the incident, local fire officials and aviation experts have suggested that a landing gear malfunction may have played a role in the crash. The pilot reportedly issued a mayday call shortly after being warned by the control tower about birds in the vicinity. However, the official investigation into the crash is expected to be a lengthy process, potentially spanning years.
Amidst growing demands for answers from the families of the victims, experts have cautioned against premature speculation regarding the cause of the aviation disaster. It is crucial for local officials to exercise patience and await further information before drawing conclusions.
