On December 29, 2024, the South Korean passenger airline Jeju Air experienced its deadliest incident, leading to the tragic loss of 179 lives. Preliminary investigations have determined bird strikes were involved, highlighting significant aviation safety concerns.
Following the disaster, investigators revealed extensive evidence of bird activity, with feathers and blood stains from the Baikal teal—an abundant migratory duck—found on both engines of the Boeing 737-800 involved. According to the South Korean transport ministry, these findings contribute directly to the inquiry being conducted on the causes of the crash.
Officials reported the aircraft took off from Bangkok and was approaching Muan International Airport. Just minutes before the crash, air traffic controllers alerted the pilot to the possibility of bird strikes.
At approximately 8:57 AM local time, just three minutes after establishing contact with the airport, the control tower warned of heightened bird activity. Shortly after, at 8:59 AM, the pilot declared an emergency, indicating the aircraft had struck one or more birds, and signaled for permission to land from the opposite side of the runway.
Eyewitness accounts and recorded footage highlight the plane's perilous landing. The aircraft, failing to deploy its landing gear, performed what's known as a belly landing. It overran the runway and collided with the embankment, which houses navigation equipment, resulting in severe explosions.
The preliminary report outlined how the localiser system, intended to assist planes during their approach to land, was situated within a concrete and earth structure. Experts noted the durability of this design likely worsened the crash's impact and suggested replacing these barriers with materials intended to yield upon contact to reduce casualty risks.
Shifting focus onto the investigation, South Korean authorities have ordered engines to be dismantled for rigorous analysis, alongside assessing flight data and air traffic control communication. Investigators are also examining the embankment and the localiser system to gather comprehensive insights.
Interestingly, the crash has drawn significant public attention not only for its tragic consequences but also due to the ensuing fallout for Jeju Air and the broader airline safety protocols. The airline has already seen over 60,000 cancellations since the disaster, and its stock has plummeted amid growing unease and scrutiny.
Authorities have imposed travel restrictions on Jeju Air's chief executive, Kim E Bae, as part of the comprehensive investigation aimed at determining accountability. Meanwhile, the South Korean government has called for immediate safety evaluations across all domestic Boeing 737-800 aircraft following this calamity.
Emphasizing the emotional toll of the tragedy, relatives have expressed their grief through memorial services, laying flowers and traditional rice cake soup at the crash site on New Year’s Day. They gathered to honor their loved ones, who comprised mostly South Koreans returning from the Christmas holiday.
Although the investigation remains underway, officials have suggested the combination of bird strikes and the landing gear malfunction are central to determining what led to such devastating consequences. The acting South Korean president adamantly urged the need for extensive review and reassessment of airline operations and safety infrastructure, reinforcing the persistent demand for maximal passenger safety as the aviation world grapples with its recent calamity.