SEOUL, South Korea — A recent report regarding the Jeju Air incident from the previous month has revealed evidence of bird strikes affecting the aircraft’s engines. Nevertheless, officials have yet to establish the definitive cause of the tragedy that claimed the lives of 179 out of the 181 individuals onboard.
The initial accident findings, shared by South Korea’s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board on Monday, indicated that feathers and traces of bird blood were detected in both engines. “Samples were sent to specialized entities for DNA analysis, with a domestic organization identifying them as coming from Baikal teals,” noted the report, referring to a species of migratory duck.
Additionally, the report highlighted that the plane’s two black boxes, which include the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, ceased their recording functions roughly four minutes prior to the accident. This poses a challenge in determining the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.
On December 29, the Boeing 737-800 veered off the runway during its landing at Muan International Airport, as its landing gear failed to engage properly. The aircraft collided with a concrete structure, leading to a significant fire. Among the casualties were predominantly South Korean citizens, apart from two Thai nationals.
Several experts have pointed out that the concrete structure, which contained antennas known as a localizer, should have utilized lighter materials designed to withstand impacts more effectively. In response, South Korea’s Transport Ministry announced last week its plans to dismantle the concrete installation at the airport.
Investigators previously disclosed that air traffic controllers alerted the pilots about the potential for bird strikes just two minutes prior to the distress signal being issued, which confirmed that such an incident had occurred. Following this, the pilots made an attempt for an emergency landing.
The preliminary report also indicated that the pilots observed a flock of birds as they approached the runway at Muan airport, and security footage captured the aircraft nearing the birds during a failed landing attempt.
Authorities intend to dismantle the engines for a thorough examination of their components, along with analyzing black box data and air traffic control transmissions. Additionally, investigations will focus on the embankment, localizer, and any evidence of bird strikes.
“The comprehensive investigation efforts are focused on accurately determining the cause of the accident,” stated the report.
The Transport Ministry has communicated that the preliminary findings have been distributed to the International Civil Aviation Organization, as well as to the governments of Thailand, the United States, and France, as the aircraft was constructed in the U.S. with engines produced in France.
Moreover, Muan airport has announced it will remain closed until April 18.
