Bird Remains Found in Engines of Jeju Air Crash: Preliminary Report

SEOUL, Jan 27 (Alliance News): Both engines of the Jeju Air plane that crashed last month were found to contain DNA from migratory ducks, according to a preliminary report released on Monday. However, the exact cause of South Korea’s deadliest air disaster remains undetermined.

The Boeing 737-800 jet, carrying 181 passengers and crew, crashed on December 29 during an emergency landing at Muan Airport.

The plane overshot the runway, struck an embankment containing navigation equipment, and was engulfed in flames, leaving only two survivors.

South Korean authorities identified remains of Baikal Teals, migratory ducks that flock to South Korea in winter, in both engines. Despite evidence of a bird strike, investigators have not concluded whether it directly caused the plane to belly land without deploying its landing gear.

The report noted that both the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) ceased functioning moments before the pilots declared an emergency. The aircraft was descending at 498 feet at a speed of 298 km/h when data recording stopped.

Further investigations will focus on the engines, flight data, and the embankment’s role in the high death toll. Experts believe the reinforced concrete structure supporting the airport’s navigation system contributed to the severity of the crash.

The accident investigation board is conducting an extensive inquiry to determine the precise cause of the disaster and has shared its findings with international bodies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).