Korean investigators have confirmed evidence of bird-strike in both engines of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 involved in the fatal landing accident at Muan airport. Genetic analysis has identified feathers and debris from the Baikal teal, an East Asian duck species, in the engines.
Preliminary findings from the investigation are expected on January 27, but the transport ministry has shared initial details of the December 29 crash.
Three minutes after establishing contact with air traffic control, the crew received a warning of bird activity. Moments later, pilots noted the presence of birds below the aircraft. Within 40 seconds, the cockpit-voice and flight-data recorders ceased functioning as the aircraft, at an altitude of 500 feet and a speed of 161 knots, attempted a missed approach.
Declaring an emergency, the crew executed a right turn to attempt landing on the opposite-direction runway 19. Surveillance footage confirmed bird strikes, and blood and feathers were found in both engines. Despite approaching the runway squarely, the aircraft landed without its landing gear deployed, overran the runway, and collided with the localiser antenna mount, resulting in the aircraft’s destruction and leaving only two survivors among the 181 occupants.
Investigators are now analyzing the wreckage to determine the operational status of the aircraft and engines, particularly in light of the simultaneous recorder failure. The focus includes understanding the decision to attempt an opposite-direction landing, possible thrust loss due to bird-strike, and the absence of extended landing gear or flaps during approach.
The investigation is expected to require several months to uncover all contributing factors and establish the reasons behind this tragic accident.
Source: Swifteradio.com
