Tragic Jeju Air Crash: Preliminary Findings and Ongoing Investigation

Initial Investigative Report Released

The recent Jeju Air crash in South Korea, which tragically took the lives of 179 individuals, continues to be the subject of intense scrutiny as the initial investigation findings emerge. A preliminary report released by the
Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board has revealed that the aircraft’s black boxes, critical in understanding the events leading to the disaster, ceased recording approximately four minutes prior to the crash.
This crucial detail was underscored in an official statement made public on Monday.

Black Boxes Show Data Loss

Investigators have confirmed that both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder from the Boeing 737-800 failed to capture vital information ahead of the incident. This development aligns with prior statements from the
Transportation Ministry, raising immediate concerns regarding the cause of the blackout in the black box data.
South Korean authorities have responded by transferring these black boxes to the
U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, hoping to recover missing data and understand the malfunction.
The reason for the devices ceasing operation remains an unanswered question, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.

Evidence of Bird Strikes Emerges

The preliminary report also noted troubling evidence of bird strikes, with investigators discovering traces of feathers and blood within both engines of the aircraft.
Samples collected from the crash site have been analyzed, revealing that the remains belonged to Baikal teals, a migratory duck known for its seasonal travel patterns.
While researchers highlight the presence of these bird strikes, the specific role they played in the crash is still under thorough investigation.

Crash Details and Initial Responses

The ill-fated aircraft, which took off from Bangkok, encountered disaster on December 29, 2024. The plane found itself veering off the runway at
Muan International Airport when its landing gear failed to deploy properly. Unfortunately, it struck a concrete structure, leading to an explosion and subsequent flames that engulfed the aircraft.
Out of the 181 passengers and crew onboard, only two individuals survived. The majority of those lost were South Korean nationals, alongside two Thai citizens who were also on the flight.

Urgent Communications Prior to Crash

Significantly, air traffic controllers had warned the pilots about potential bird strikes just two minutes before the aircraft emitted a distress signal confirming such an occurrence.
Upon noticing the birds near the runway as they made their approach, the pilots took swift action in an attempt for an emergency landing.
Security footage captured at the airport provides further insights, documenting the aircraft narrowly avoiding birds during an aborted landing attempt moments before the tragic crash.

Comprehensive Investigation Underway

In light of these events, authorities have outlined a comprehensive plan to scrutinize multiple facets related to the crash. This includes dismantling and meticulously examining the plane’s engines,
analyzing the retrieved black boxes, reviewing air traffic control communications, and investigating the possible influence of bird strikes and the airport’s localizer system on the incident.
The seriousness of this investigation is reflected in the fact that findings have already been shared with international bodies, including the
International Civil Aviation Organization, and officials from Thailand, the United States, and France.
The aircraft was manufactured in the United States, with its engines produced in France, which may complicate accountability and response initiatives.

Towards Understanding the Causes

As this heartbreaking event prompts mourning and calls for action, investigators are diligently working to piece together the elements that contributed to the crash.
The loss of life and the tragic circumstances surrounding this incident highlight the critical importance of aviation safety and the need for robust investigation methods to prevent future occurrences.
Federal and international aviation authorities are committed to ensuring that the findings of this tragedy lead to improvements in aviation standards and response protocols.

This report includes contributions from the Associated Press.