A bird strike has emerged as a possible cause for Jeju Air flight 7C2216 crash-landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday.
Hong Kong Professional Airline Pilots Association chairman Steven Dominique Cheung said on Monday that international airports, including the city’s, used advanced radar technology and provided mature civil aviation services.
“The air traffic control centre gives warnings when it notices bird-strike risks and the crew can take evasive action,” Cheung said, noting some airports might not have such support and had to rely on word of mouth between pilots and the control centre.
He said the city’s terrain and wind shear posed more of a challenge to pilots. Wind shear refers to a change in headwind or tailwind that can affect an aircraft’s lift.
“The chance of a bird strike in Hong Kong is very low. The chance of having a fatal accident following a bird strike is even lower,” Cheung said.
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Dozens confirmed dead after Jeju Air flight with 181 people on board crashes in South Korea
Dozens confirmed dead after Jeju Air flight with 181 people on board crashes in South Korea