The initial report on last month’s Jeju Air crash in South Korea has confirmed that bird strikes contributed to the accident, though the exact cause remains under investigation. The crash, which occurred on December 29, 2024, claimed 179 lives, leaving only two survivors among the 181 passengers and crew.
Released on January 27, 2025, the preliminary findings revealed the presence of feathers and blood stains in both engines. DNA analysis conducted by a domestic agency identified the remains as those of Baikal Teals, a species of migratory duck. The report also noted that the aircraft’s black box stopped recording approximately four minutes before the crash, limiting available data for investigators.
Contributing to the tragedy was a concrete structure at the end of Muan International Airport’s runway, identified as the localiser, a critical system aiding aircraft during landings. Experts believe the rigidity of this structure exacerbated the severity of the crash. The Boeing 737-800’s landing gear failed to deploy, causing the plane to skid off the runway and collide with the structure before bursting into flames. Critics argue that the localiser should have been constructed with lighter, impact-resistant materials to minimise such risks. In response, South Korean authorities have announced plans to remove the concrete structure.
Investigators also revealed that air traffic controllers had warned the pilot of potential bird strikes two minutes before the aircraft issued a distress signal. Following confirmation of a bird strike, the pilot attempted an emergency landing, ultimately leading to the catastrophic crash. Further investigations aim to determine the full sequence of events and factors involved.
