A preliminary investigation into the December crash of a Jeju Air plane in South Korea, which resulted in 179 fatalities, has identified a bird strike involving a migratory duck as a significant factor.
Investigation Reveals Bird Strike Caused Jeju Air Plane Crash
Investigation Reveals Bird Strike Caused Jeju Air Plane Crash
Feathers and blood from a Baikal teal found in the engines of the Boeing 737-800 involved in a deadly crash.
A preliminary investigation has unveiled crucial evidence linking a bird strike to a tragic plane crash involving Jeju Air, which resulted in the loss of 179 lives in South Korea back in December. Feathers and blood remnants from the Baikal teal, a migratory duck known to flock in large numbers, were discovered in both engines of the ill-fated Boeing 737-800.
As per the inquiry report released on Monday, investigators are now directing their attention to the extent of the bird strike's impact on the crash, as well as the associated concrete structure at the end of the runway that the aircraft collided with moments after the incident. To facilitate this scrutiny, the damaged plane's engines will be dismantled, and additional examinations of the concrete structure will be undertaken.
The tragic event unfolded on December 29, following the aircraft's departure from Bangkok bound for Muan International Airport. The crew was warned about "bird activity" shortly before the flight's demise. At 08:59 local time, the pilot confirmed a bird strike and sent a mayday alert. In attempting to land from an alternative direction, the plane belly-landed and subsequently overran the runway, igniting upon impact with the concrete structure.
Notably, it was reported that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders ceased operating approximately four minutes prior to the crash, raising questions about the sequence of events leading to the disaster. Aviation experts are reconsidering whether the concrete barriers, which contain a localiser navigation system for guided landings, contributed to the high casualty rate. Similar barriers are in place at several other airports in South Korea and abroad.
In response to these findings, South Korean transport officials declared their intention to revise the concrete infrastructure utilized for navigation at seven airports nationwide, alongside enhancing runway safety protocols following a comprehensive assessment. The preliminary report has also been shared with international aviation regulatory bodies, including the United Nations, as well as authorities from the United States, France, and Thailand.
