Jeju Air Crash: Preliminary Findings Reveal Bird Strike Warning Before Fatal Incident

KR
Published:

A preliminary investigation into the deadly crash of Jeju Air flight from Bangkok has revealed that the aircraft received a bird activity warning just one minute before its black box recording ceased. The incident, which occurred on December 29, 2024, near Muan International Airport in South Korea, resulted in the deaths of 179 passengers, with only two survivors.

The South Korean transport ministry reported that the aircraft attempted a go-around maneuver before colliding with a flock of birds. Initial communications between the cockpit and air traffic control began at 8:54 AM, with landing clearance granted shortly thereafter. The warning about potential bird strikes was issued at 8:57 AM, followed by a discussion in the cockpit about the flock of birds flying below the plane.

The black box recording stopped at 8:58:50 AM, indicating a potential loss of power caused by dual engine shutdowns due to bird strikes, as feathers and blood from migratory ducks were later found on the engines. An emergency “mayday” call is believed to have been declared at 8:58:56 AM, but no recording exists of this declaration.

The crash occurred approximately four minutes after the aircraft began its landing approach, culminating in the plane striking a concrete mound and bursting into flames at 9:02 AM. A full analysis of the flight data and cockpit recordings will take several months, while families of the victims have concluded the search for additional remains at the accident site.

The South Korean government plans to share the preliminary findings with the International Civil Aviation Organisation and relevant countries, including the United States, France, and Thailand, by Monday.

Weekly Newsletter

News summary by melangenews

Loading...

More from Korea

Seven Injured as Fire Erupts on Air Busan Flight in South Korea

A fire broke out on an Air Busan flight at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea on January 29, injuring seven individuals, including three passengers and four crew members. The fire occurred shortly before take-off for Hong Kong, potentially sparked by a compressed portable battery in the overhead compartment, according to local media reports. All 169 passengers aboard were able to evacuate via inflatable slides before any significant injuries occurred, although one person was hospitalized following the incident. Dramatic footage captured moments of chaos as thick smoke filled the cabin, leading passengers to open emergency doors. Authorities are investigating, with transport ministry officials stating, “It is unclear when we will be able to disclose the investigation findings on the cause of last night’s fire.” The fire severely damaged nearly half of the aircraft’s fuselage, although its wings and engines remained intact. This incident follows a tragic aviation disaster that occurred in December, further heightening concerns over airline safety in the region.
KR

Indicted for Insurrection: Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Severe Charges

South Korean prosecutors have indicted impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on rebellion charges linked to his recent imposition of martial law, which occurred on December 3, 2024. The indictment, which could result in life imprisonment or even death if Yoon is convicted, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political crisis, according to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. Yoon's martial law decree, criticized as alarming by many and likened to past dictatorial practices, was quickly overturned by the National Assembly, which unanimously voted against it. In his defense, Yoon insists that the martial law was a necessary measure to draw attention to threats posed by the liberal-controlled legislature, referring to assembly members as “criminals,” as reported by South Korean media outlets including Yonhap. The Constitutional Court is currently deliberating whether to formally dismiss Yoon or reinstate him, further complicating the political landscape in South Korea. Yoon has denied all wrongdoing and claims that the military presence aimed to ensure order during the assembly’s deliberations.
KR

Fire Erupts on Airbus Plane in South Korea, Sparking Emergency Evacuation

A fire broke out on an Air Busan Airbus A321 at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea on Tuesday night, leading to an emergency evacuation of 169 passengers and seven crew members. The incident occurred just moments before the flight was scheduled to take off for Hong Kong. Initial reports indicate that the fire may have been sparked by a portable battery stored in an overhead bin, which ignited and caused smoke to fill the cabin. Although the fire heavily damaged almost half of the aircraft's fuselage, its wings and engines remained unaffected. Seven individuals suffered injuries, with one person currently hospitalized. Dramatic footage from local media depicted flames engulfing the rear section of the aircraft as thick smoke poured from the interior. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos as passengers and crew members quickly initiated an evacuation using inflatable slides. The South Korean transport ministry has announced that an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway, with further findings to be disclosed in due course. This incident follows a recent aviation tragedy in the country, where a Jeju Air flight crash-landed, leading to significant casualties.
KR
All Korea News ->