Evidence of Bird Strike Found in Jeju Air Plane Crash Investigation

A preliminary report indicates a bird strike caused the crash of a Jeju Air passenger plane that sadly took 179 lives.

Investigators revealed that feathers and blood stains from the Baikal teal were discovered on both engines of the ill-fated Jeju Air aircraft, which crashed in South Korea in December. The preliminary findings from the investigation, released on Monday, highlight the tragic incident as a serious aviation disaster and the deadliest on South Korean soil in history. Authorities are now scrutinizing the role of the bird strike and a concrete navigation structure at the end of the runway.

The Boeing 737-800 had taken off from Bangkok on December 29 and was en route to Muan International Airport. Just three minutes after the flight contacted the airport, the control tower warned of "bird activity." Moments later, the pilot reported striking a bird and declared an emergency. In an attempt to land, the aircraft executed a belly landing, ultimately crashing into a concrete barrier and igniting a fireball.

Investigations revealed that recorders ceased around four minutes before the crash, prompting further examination of the engines and the concrete structure involved. Experts have raised concerns regarding the presence of concrete barriers along the runway, suggesting that their absence may have reduced the high casualty toll.

In response to these findings, South Korea's transport ministry announced plans to change similar concrete barriers at seven airports nationwide and modify runway safety areas. The preliminary report has been shared with international aviation agencies, including those from the United States, France, and Thailand, as the inquiry continues into the factors leading to this tragic disaster.