South Korean authorities detected bird feathers and blood in the engines of the Jeju Air aircraft that crashed in December 2024.
Early findings
Investigators from the South Korean Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (앭복·철도사賠조사위원皌, ARAIB) discovered blood and bird feathers in both engines of the Boeing 737-800 that crashed at Muan International Airport (MWX), according to a report by Reuters that quoted people with knowledge of the situation.
The double-engine bird strike could explain why the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) stopped recording four minutes before the 737-800 crashed into a concrete structure at the end of the runway.
Previous reports suggested that a bird strike started the series of events that ultimately led to a gear-up landing attempt at the airport, including the discovery of feather and blood traces in one of the engines.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) of South Korea announced the development on January 11, adding that the cause of the two recorders’ stoppage would be probed.
“While the CFR and FDR are important for accident investigation, accident investigation is conducted through analysis of various data sets, so we plan to do our best to accurately determine the cause of the accident.”
According to a previous research conducted by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), “there are significantly more airframe strikes than engine strikes (by a ratio of 4.6 to 1).”
Safety violations
MOLIT also conducted a planned safety examination of South Korea’s entire Boeing 737-800 fleet, which includes aircraft from domestic airlines such as Korean Air. Without naming the suspected perpetrators, the Ministry decided that several airlines had broken laws, such as extending the pre- and post-flight inspection cycle.
However, MOLIT stated that airlines have largely complied with operating and maintenance rules. Despite this, “strict measures will be taken in accordance with the relevant laws and procedures for violations of the law.”
“The major improvements include reflecting training to stop two or more engines in the training manual and regularizing the training, bird strike response procedures in pre-flight briefings, unifying aircraft operation rate calculation criteria, implementing periodic management plans, etc., and reviewing and improving them.”
The ministry also ended its safety study of navigational infrastructure at the country’s airports, noting that they were well-maintained and had enough safety precautions. At the same time, seven airports and nine facilities, including one at Muan International, require renovations.
“MOLIT plans to conduct a comprehensive safety inspection from January 13 to 31 by expanding the inspection target to all models of 11 domestic airlines in order to diagnose the airline safety system more precisely.”
Investigative party involving Boeing, FAA, and NTSB
The Jeju Air 737-800 aircraft crashed at Muan International while operating flight 7C2216 from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), killing 179 people. Two flight attendants, situated aft of the single-aisle jet, survived the crash.
To ascertain the possible cause of the accident on December 29, 2024, officials from Boeing, CFM International, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Board (NTSB), and ARAIB have established a joint investigation team, according to a statement released by South Korean Transport Minister Park Sang-woo.
FAQ
What happened to the Jeju Air Boeing 737 involved in the incident?
The Jeju Air Boeing 737 experienced a bird strike that affected both engines during flight. Crash investigators discovered bird feathers and blood in both engines, confirming the cause of the incident.
What is a bird strike, and how does it affect aircraft?
A bird strike occurs when a bird collides with an aircraft during flight. It can damage engines, disrupt flight operations, and in severe cases, lead to emergencies.
How common are bird strikes in aviation?
Bird strikes are relatively common in aviation, particularly during takeoff and landing. However, modern aircraft are designed to handle such incidents with minimal risk to passenger safety.
What safety measures does aviation take to prevent bird strikes?
Airports implement various safety measures to prevent bird strikes, such as bird deterrence programs, habitat management, and radar systems to detect bird activity near runways.
Did the Jeju Air flight land safely after the bird strike?
Yes, the Jeju Air flight landed safely following the bird strike. The incident was investigated thoroughly to ensure future safety protocols are enhanced.
