Bird Strikes Cause Jeju Air Jet Crash in South Korea, Investigation Reveals Remains in Both Engines

An investigation into the Jeju Air crash, the deadliest air disaster on South Korean soil, revealed duck remains in both engines of the Boeing 737-800. The preliminary report, released on January 27, 2025, indicated that the passenger jet likely struck birds before crashing during its landing attempt, resulting in the deaths of 179 out of 181 people onboard.

The Jeju Air incident occurred last month and has drawn significant attention due to its tragic outcome. The investigation is being conducted by South Korea’s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board, which reported that feathers and bloodstains from Baikal teals, a type of migratory duck, were found in the jet’s engines. These ducks are known to migrate to South Korea during winter months.

Key findings from the report include:

• Emergency call made by pilots warning of a bird strike.
• The jet attempted to land but abandoned the first approach.
• The aircraft landed late and at high speed without deploying landing gear.

After the aircraft touched down, it slid off the runway and struck an embankment, resulting in a fire. Investigators are facing challenges due to limited data from the black box, which stopped recording shortly before the crash. This issue has previously been linked to electrical failures on board.

Authorities are under pressure to ensure a thorough investigation, especially in light of past tragedies like the Sewol ferry disaster. A final report is expected within a year, adhering to global aviation guidelines.

The ongoing investigation into the Jeju Air crash highlights the critical need for understanding the factors leading to such disasters. With the presence of bird remains in the engines, the focus will remain on addressing aviation safety and preventing similar incidents in the future.