Seoul: A recent report from the South Korean transport ministry revealed that the Jeju Air plane involved in last month’s tragic crash received a warning about bird activity just one minute before its black box recording ceased. This incident occurred on December 29, resulting in the deaths of 179 people on board, with only two survivors, in the southwestern city of Muan.
The ministry shared initial findings with the victims’ families and plans to release a preliminary report by Monday, which will be sent to international aviation authorities, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, the United States, France, and Thailand.
According to the investigation committee, surveillance footage showed that the aircraft attempted a go-around maneuver when it struck a flock of birds. The plane first contacted air traffic control at 8:54:43 a.m. while approaching for landing, and was cleared to land on Runway 01, opposite the runway where the accident occurred. At 8:57:50 a.m., the control tower warned the aircraft of potential bird strikes. Shortly after, at 8:58:11 a.m., the cockpit crew discussed seeing a flock of birds below them.
The black box recording stopped at 8:58:50 a.m., indicating that the plane likely lost power after both engines failed due to the bird strikes. Feathers and blood from migratory ducks were discovered in both engines. The pilot reportedly declared a “mayday” distress call at 8:58:56 a.m., but this is an estimate based on control tower records, as the black box did not capture the call.
The plane continued flying for about four minutes before attempting to land without deploying the landing gear, ultimately crashing into a concrete mound and exploding into flames at 9:02:57 a.m. The ministry noted that it will take several months to analyze the flight data and cockpit recordings for further verification.
In related news, the group representing the victims’ families has decided to cease the search for remains at the crash site. Authorities have sent any remains recovered to the national forensics institute for identification.