Investigation Reveals Bird DNA in Crashed Jeju Airplane Engines
Authorities in South Korea are conducting a detailed investigation into the tragic crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, which occurred on December 29 while en route from Thailand to Muan. The aircraft crash-landed, colliding with a concrete barrier, resulting in a catastrophic fire that claimed the lives of 179 individuals, leaving only two survivors among the 181 onboard.
A recent report confirmed the presence of bird feathers and bloodstains in both engines of the aircraft. Following a thorough analysis, experts identified the DNA samples as belonging to Baikal Teals, a migratory duck species that travels to South Korea from Siberia during the winter months.
On the day of the incident, pilots reported sighting a flock of birds as they approached the runway, a moment captured by security cameras. Despite being warned by air traffic control about potential bird strikes just prior to landing, both the voice and data recording systems onboard failed shortly after. Soon thereafter, the pilots declared a mayday, indicating a bird strike had occurred, and attempted an emergency landing when the landing gear failed to deploy.
As the investigation progresses, officials plan to dismantle the engines for a meticulous examination of the components. This analysis will be complemented by a review of flight data and recordings from air traffic control, as well as an evaluation of the airport's infrastructure, including localizers and any signs of bird-related impacts. Some aviation experts have suggested that the localizer systems at Muan airport may have exacerbated the severity of the crash.
In response to this incident, South Korean authorities have announced plans to replace concrete structures at airports nationwide with more forgiving, breakable designs to mitigate the risks associated with similar accidents in the future.
The ongoing investigation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contributed to this disaster, ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to enhance safety in the aviation sector.
