South Korea – Investigators have uncovered crucial evidence linking a bird strike to the tragic crash of a Jeju Air flight in December, which claimed the lives of 179 people. Preliminary findings suggest that the bird strike, involving migratory ducks, may have played a significant role in the disaster.
Key Findings from the Investigation
Bird Strike Evidence
- Type of Bird: Feathers and blood stains found on both engines of the Boeing 737-800 were identified as belonging to the Baikal teal, a migratory duck species known to fly in large flocks.
- Timing of the Strike: The bird strike occurred moments before the crash, as confirmed by preliminary reports.
Timeline of the Incident
Flight Details:
- The Jeju Air plane departed from Bangkok on December 29, en route to Muan International Airport in South Korea's southwest.
- At 08:57 local time, air traffic control warned the pilots of "bird activity" near the airport.
Critical Moments:
- 08:59: The pilots reported a bird strike and declared a mayday.
- During an emergency landing attempt, the plane belly-landed without deploying its landing gear, overran the runway, and collided with a concrete structure, leading to an explosion.
Focus of the Investigation
The investigation now centers on:
- Role of the Bird Strike: How the bird strike impacted the engines and the overall safety of the flight.
- Concrete Structure: The plane collided with a concrete barrier at the end of the runway, which housed a localizer system used for navigation. Experts have questioned the necessity of such barriers and suggested they may have increased the casualty toll.
Safety Measures and Next Steps
- Engine Analysis: Investigators will conduct a detailed teardown of the Boeing 737-800’s engines to assess the damage caused by the bird strike.
- Infrastructure Review: South Korea’s transport ministry has announced:
- Replacement of concrete barriers at seven airports.
- Enhancements to runway safety areas nationwide.
- Global Involvement: The preliminary findings have been submitted to the United Nations' aviation agency, as well as authorities in the U.S., France, and Thailand, for further review.
Global Implications
This tragic incident has sparked a broader conversation about runway safety and wildlife hazards at airports. Aviation experts emphasize the need for:
- Advanced bird detection systems.
- Strategic placement of navigation infrastructure to minimize risks during emergencies.
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