The South Korean Ministry of Transport is set to release a preliminary report by January 27 on the tragic crash of a Jeju Air flight that claimed 179 lives. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft was involved in the deadliest air disaster on South Korean soil, crashing on December 29 while arriving at Muan International Airport from Bangkok. Investigators are piecing together the events that led to this catastrophic incident, which left only two crew members alive.
On the morning of the crash, pilots noted birds flying under the plane at 8:58:11 am. Shortly thereafter, at 8:58:56 am, they declared a mayday, reporting a bird strike during a go-around maneuver. Airport CCTV footage corroborated these claims by showing the plane making contact with birds.
"confirmed the plane making contact with birds, though the exact time is unclear" – a ministry official
Tragically, the aircraft crashed into an embankment at 9:02:57 am and erupted into flames, resulting in the loss of nearly everyone on board. Only two crew members stationed in the tail section survived. Investigators found duck feathers and blood in both GE Aerospace engines, solidifying the bird strike theory.
The surveillance footage, although instrumental, was taken from too far away to determine if a spark resulted from the bird strike. Experts believe the embankment where the jet crashed contributed to the severity of the disaster, prompting plans for its removal by the South Korean authorities.
The investigation is being conducted with the assistance of international bodies such as the US National Transportation Safety Board and France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety. The preliminary report will be shared with the International Civil Aviation Organization, as well as authorities in the United States, France, and Thailand.
Leave a Reply