LANDING ATTEMPTED AT MUAN JUST AFTER EMERGENCY DECLARED

Investigators are considering possible reasons such as bird strikes and disabled control systems on the aircraft for the pilots' apparent rush to attempt a landing soon after declaring an emergency.

Transport Ministry officials said most South Korean airports were built based on International Civil Aviation Organization rules that recommend a 240-metre (262-yard) runway-end safety area.

However, a domestic law allows adjustments in a range that does not "significantly affect" the facility's performance.

"We'll look into whether there are any conflicts in our own regulations, and conduct an additional review of our airport safety standards," Kim Hong-rak, director general for airport and air navigation facilities policy, told a briefing.

Muan International Airport's Operations Manual said the navigation equipment, or localisers, had been installed too near the end of the runway, or just 199 m (218 yards) from the crash site.

The document, prepared by Korea Airports Corp and uploaded on its website, said the airport authority should "review securing additional distance during phase two of Muan International Airport's expansion".

South Korean officials have previously said the structure was about 250 m (273 yards) from the end of the runway itself, though a paved apron extends past that.

The runway design did not meet industry best practices, however, said John Cox, chief executive of Safety Operating Systems and a former 737 pilot, adding that they preclude any hard structure like a berm within at least 300 m (330 yards) of the end of the runway.

Video showed the plane appearing to slow down and in control when it went off the runway, Cox said.

"When it hits that berm is when it turns into tragedy."

Both floors of Muan airport's main building were still packed with bereaved relatives on Tuesday evening as many waited for the opening of an altar to pay their respects. Others rested in hundreds of tents erected in the airport. Religious, social welfare and volunteer groups were busy supplying food and drink.

Relatives, some sobbing loudly, took turns to bow in front of the makeshift altar, lined with chrysanthemums and pictures of the dead.

With the nation grieving, New Year's Eve celebrations were cancelled across South Korea.

Reuters