SEOUL: South Korean investigators have submitted a preliminary report on last month’s Jeju Air crash. The report has been shared with the UN aviation agency, the United States, France, and Thailand.
The investigation focuses on a suspected bird strike and the role of the localizer landing guidance structure, officials said Monday.
Investigation Aims to Uncover Root Cause
According to the report, thorough analyses are being conducted to identify the exact cause of the crash. Officials are examining engines and the localizer system.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) mandates submission of a preliminary report within 30 days of an accident. A final report is typically released within one year.
Crash Details and Immediate Aftermath
The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed while making an emergency belly landing at Muan International Airport. The accident happened on December 29.
The aircraft overshot the runway, hitting the localizer structure, which aids landing navigation. All but two of the 181 onboard tragically lost their lives.
Experts believe the localizer’s reinforced concrete and earthen structure contributed to the severity of the crash.
Bird Strike and Engine Damage Examined
During the plane’s final approach, pilots discussed seeing a flock of birds, as reported to victims’ families Saturday.
Although the exact time of the bird strike is unconfirmed, the aircraft declared an emergency due to bird strike during a go-around.
Engine analyses revealed feathers and bird blood stains on both engines. The engines were later buried in the soil after the crash.
Blackbox Data Recording Unexplained
The aircraft’s blackboxes stopped recording just before the mayday call. At that point, it was at 498 ft and traveling at 161 knots.
“Fire and a partial explosion occurred after crashing into the embankment,” the report detailed. Wreckage from the fore fuselage spread 30-200 meters from the crash site.
Further Investigations Underway
Officials have not concluded why the data recorders failed simultaneously. The investigation continues to determine all contributing factors.
This tragedy marks South Korea’s deadliest air disaster and has heightened focus on aviation safety measures.
