A preliminary investigation into the Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people on December 29 has revealed bird feathers and bloodstains in both engines of the Boeing 737-800, raising suspicions of a bird strike. The disaster occurred as the plane, flying from Thailand to Muan, South Korea, belly-landed and exploded into a fireball after striking a concrete barrier.
The aircraft, carrying 181 passengers and crew, faced catastrophe while approaching runway 01. According to the report released Monday, the pilots encountered a flock of birds during a go-around maneuver. Security footage confirmed the plane, identified as HL8088, came dangerously close to a group of Baikal teals, migratory birds that frequent Korea in winter. DNA analysis of the feathers and bloodstains matched these Siberian-origin birds.
While investigators are still probing the exact cause of the crash, bird strikes, faulty landing gear, and the presence of a concrete barrier at the end of the runway are being examined. The report did not specify if the engines failed in the final moments before the crash.
Adding to the mystery, both the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder ceased functioning four minutes before the disaster, leaving critical gaps in the investigation. The cause of this malfunction remains unknown.
The captain, with over 6,800 flight hours, and the first officer, with 1,650 hours, were among the fatalities. Only two flight attendants survived the crash, which marked the deadliest aviation accident on South Korean soil.
The incident has prompted nationwide scrutiny of airport infrastructure. The plane’s collision with a concrete embankment during landing raised questions about the use of rigid barriers at runway ends. Last week, authorities announced plans to replace these barriers with “breakable structures” designed to minimize damage during emergencies.
The Jeju Air disaster has reignited debates about airport safety measures and wildlife management near runways. As investigations continue, South Korea and the U.S. are collaborating to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
While the full report is awaited, early findings underscore the importance of enhanced bird strike prevention and improved emergency infrastructure to prevent future aviation disasters.
