February 16, 2025
Jeju Air Crash: Aircraft May Have Sustained Birdstrikes to Both Engines

Jeju Air Crash: Aircraft May Have Sustained Birdstrikes to Both Engines

According to Reuters, a source familiar with the Jeju Air crash investigation has reported the aircraft sustained birdstrikes to both engines before the landing accident.
The Jeju Air crash aircraft at South Korea Muan Airport
자연속으로 into nature, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Investigators probing the December crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 in South Korea have found compelling evidence suggesting bird strikes in both engines of the aircraft. The crash, which tragically claimed 179 lives, occurred during a landing attempt at Muan International Airport on 29 December 2024.

The fatal accident became the worst aviation disaster in South Korean history.

The South Korean Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) confirmed the discovery of bird feathers and blood in one of the engines recovered from the crash site.

Sources familiar with the investigation have reported similar findings in the second engine, according to a Reuters report. South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has so far declined to comment on whether feathers and blood were found in both engines. 

This revelation comes after the pilot declared an emergency shortly before the crash. Flight crew had reported a bird strike during the initial approach to land. They subsequently initiated a go-around maneuver to attempt a landing on the opposite end of the runway.

Notably, air traffic control had warned the crew of increased bird activity in the area just two minutes prior to the emergency call.  

자연속으로 into nature, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Devastating Chain of Events


The aircraft, en route from Bangkok, Thailand, experienced a catastrophic loss of thrust likely due to the bird strikes. This forced the pilot to abort the initial landing attempt and attempt a go-around.

However, the severity of the engine damage appears to have compromised the aircraft’s ability to maintain sufficient altitude and control.  

The plane subsequently made a landing with landing gear up and flaps retracted. It then overshot the runway and collided with a wall in the overshoot area before bursting into flames. Tragically, only two crew members survived the impact and subsequent fire. They had been stationed at the rear of the passenger cabin.

A jeju Air B737-800 passes overhead.
Masakatsu Ukon, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ongoing Investigation


While the presence of bird remains in both engines strongly suggests a causal link to the crash, the investigation is ongoing. ARAIB will examine several factors, including:

  • The specific species of birds involved: Identifying the type of bird can help determine their typical flight patterns and potential mitigation strategies.
  • The extent of engine damage: A detailed analysis of the engines will reveal the precise nature and severity of the impact.
  • The pilot’s response to the emergency: Investigators will scrutinize the pilot’s actions and decision-making process during the critical moments leading up to the crash.
  • Airport bird hazard mitigation measures: The investigation will assess the effectiveness of existing measures to deter birds from the airport vicinity and whether any improvements are necessary.

The investigation has been hampered by the discovery that the aircraft’s two ‘black boxes’ – the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) both stopped working 4 minutes prior to the crash. This time roughly corresponds with the time the birdstrike was reported.

Jeju Air Crash: A Preventable Tragedy?


Bird strikes pose a significant threat to aviation safety. Aircraft engines are designed to withstand some impact resulting from collisions with large birds. However they remain vulnerable particularly during takeoff and landing, can cause severe damage. This incident underscores the importance of robust bird hazard mitigation measures at airports worldwide.  

The aviation industry continuously strives to minimize the risk of bird strikes through various strategies, including:

  • Bird scaring techniques: Employing visual and auditory deterrents to scare birds away from airport areas.
  • Habitat management: Modifying the airport environment to make it less attractive to birds.  
  • Bird control programs: Implementing measures to reduce bird populations in and around airports.  

The findings of the Jeju Air crash investigation will undoubtedly play a crucial role in refining these strategies and enhancing aviation safety globally.

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