SEOUL: South Korea’s transport ministry announced it will release a preliminary report by Monday (January 27, 2025) on the Jeju Air crash that occurred on December 29, claiming 179 lives. The tragic incident, described as the deadliest air disaster on South Korean soil, involved a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 jet.

The report, which will also be shared with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as well as authorities in the United States, France, and Thailand, aims to shed light on the cause of the disaster.

Investigation Focus

One aspect under scrutiny is the role of a bird strike in the crash. According to the ministry, the pilots of flight 7C2216 reported encountering birds just moments before the accident. At 8:58:11 a.m., the crew discussed the presence of birds beneath the aircraft. A “mayday” distress call was issued at 8:58:56 a.m., citing a bird strike during a go-around maneuver.

Airport CCTV footage confirmed the aircraft made contact with birds, though the exact moment remains unclear. Traces of duck feathers and blood were later found in both of the plane’s GE Aerospace engines.

At 9:02:57 a.m., the plane crashed into a concrete embankment supporting navigation antennas, bursting into flames and killing 179 passengers. Mere 2 crew members who were seated in the tail section, survived.

Embankment and Safety Concerns

The transport ministry is also examining the role of the embankment in worsening the disaster's impact. The structure, which houses "localisers" that assist in navigation, is now set to be removed. Experts believe the embankment may have contributed to the severity of the crash.

The ministry has extended the closure of Muan International Airport until April 18 to allow further investigations and safety upgrades.

Eyewitness Accounts and Video Evidence

Video footage, shared by local media, showed the twin-engine plane skidding down the runway without its landing gear deployed before colliding with the embankment. The crash resulted in a massive explosion of flames and debris, as smoke and fire engulfed the aircraft.

Airport officials suggested the landing gear may have failed due to the bird strike, though this remains one of several unverified theories.

Mourning and Emergency Response

Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok visited the crash site and announced a weeklong period of national mourning. An emergency meeting was convened to address the incident and prevent future tragedies.

Recent Air Disasters

The Jeju Air crash occurred just days after Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432 suffered a mid-air missile strike over Kazakhstan during drone activity in the region. In a separate incident in July 2014, Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine. These tragedies underline ongoing concerns about aviation safety worldwide.