Han Myung-Gu/EPA
Plane crashed in South Korea on December 29th. Accident killed 179 people.
Preliminary report identifies collision with birds and engine failure. Despite the discovery, the exact cause of the accident remains undetermined.
Investigators who analyzed the Jeju Air accident in South Korea confirmed this Monday bird strikes, after finding DNA and duck feathers in both engines of the Boeing 737-800 that on December 29 at Muan International Airport .
The accident caused death of 179 of the 181 people who were still on board. Only two survived — a crew member and a passenger.
Terrible accident today involving a Jeju Airlines Boeing 737-800 in South Korea. After landing on its belly, the Boeing collided and exploded. There were 175 people on board.
— Today in the Military World (@hoje_no)
The preliminary report from the South Korean Railway and Aviation Accident Investigation Board revealed that they were found traces of bird feathers and blood stains in the plane’s engines, according to .
DNA analysis identified the remains as belonging to marrecos of Baikala species of migratory duck. Despite the discovery, the exact cause of the accident remains undetermined.
Complicating the investigation are the flight data recorder and voice recorder from the plane’s cockpit before the accident. This technical failure limited access to critical information about the final moments of the flight.
The accident occurred when the plane, which was returning from Bangkok, skidded off the runway after its landing gear failed to deploy. The plane crashed into a concrete structure containing a locator antenna, which helps navigation during landings. The collision caused the jet to ignite.
Analysts criticized the use of solid concrete in the structure, suggesting that Lighter materials could have reduced the severity of the impact. In response, South Korea’s Ministry of Transport announced plans to remove the concrete structure.
According to the report, air traffic controllers warned pilots of possible bird strikes shortly before the plane issued a distress signal. The pilots observed birds during the approach and an aborted landing attempt, as corroborated by security footage showing the plane flying close to a flock.
Authorities plan to carry out a more in-depth investigation, including dismantling the engines, analyzing black box data and reviewing air traffic control records. They will also examine the airport’s infrastructure and bird strike evidence to determine exactly the cause of the accident.
The Ministry of Transport shared the findings with the International Civil Aviation Organization, as well as with authorities in Thailand, the United States and France. The plane was built in the United States and its engines were manufactured in France.
Muan International Airport remains closed until April 18 while investigations continue, prioritizing aviation safety and accident prevention.
