**A preliminary investigation into the December crash of a Jeju Air flight has revealed a bird strike involving Baikal teal, prompting further examination of the aircraft and runway structures.**
**Investigation into Jeju Air Crash Reveals Bird Strike Evidence**
**Investigation into Jeju Air Crash Reveals Bird Strike Evidence**
**Disturbing findings include feathers and blood from Baikal teal in engines**
The investigation into the tragic Jeju Air plane crash, which claimed the lives of 179 people in December, is now pointing to a bird strike as a significant factor. Initial reports indicate that feathers and blood belonging to the Baikal teal—a migratory duck known to travel in large flocks—were discovered on both engines of the ill-fated Boeing 737-800.
Following the discovery, authorities have shifted their focus towards the potential impact of the bird strike and the presence of a concrete structure located at the end of the runway where the aircraft ultimately crashed. The inquiry reports that the aircraft, after taking off from Bangkok, was en route to Muan International Airport when it encountered trouble just minutes before landing.
During its descent, the control tower had warned the crew of "bird activity." After the pilot confirmed a bird strike, they initiated a mayday call and sought to land from a different direction. However, the aircraft belly-landed without deploying its landing gear and subsequently overran the runway, colliding violently with the concrete structure.
Experts within the field have expressed concerns regarding the runway's safety design, particularly the presence of the concrete barriers. It has been suggested that the casualty count could have potentially been lower had these structures not been present. These barriers house a localiser system that assists aircraft landings, and while it is a common feature in many airports, its implications are now under scrutiny.
In response to the investigation's findings, South Korean transportation authorities announced plans to modify the concrete barriers at seven major airports nationwide to enhance safety measures. The preliminary investigation report has been circulated to various international aviation authorities, prompting wide-ranging implications for aviation safety protocols.
Following the discovery, authorities have shifted their focus towards the potential impact of the bird strike and the presence of a concrete structure located at the end of the runway where the aircraft ultimately crashed. The inquiry reports that the aircraft, after taking off from Bangkok, was en route to Muan International Airport when it encountered trouble just minutes before landing.
During its descent, the control tower had warned the crew of "bird activity." After the pilot confirmed a bird strike, they initiated a mayday call and sought to land from a different direction. However, the aircraft belly-landed without deploying its landing gear and subsequently overran the runway, colliding violently with the concrete structure.
Experts within the field have expressed concerns regarding the runway's safety design, particularly the presence of the concrete barriers. It has been suggested that the casualty count could have potentially been lower had these structures not been present. These barriers house a localiser system that assists aircraft landings, and while it is a common feature in many airports, its implications are now under scrutiny.
In response to the investigation's findings, South Korean transportation authorities announced plans to modify the concrete barriers at seven major airports nationwide to enhance safety measures. The preliminary investigation report has been circulated to various international aviation authorities, prompting wide-ranging implications for aviation safety protocols.
