Bird strike linked to deadly South Korea plane crash; 179 fatalities; inquiry focus on bird strike, runway barriers.

Investigators have identified a bird strike as a contributing factor in the crash of a passenger plane in South Korea, which resulted in the deaths of 179 people in December.

Feathers and blood stains from a Baikal teal were found on the engines of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, according to a preliminary investigation report released on Monday.

The crash investigation will now examine the impact of the bird strike alongside a concrete structure located at the end of the runway that the aircraft collided with.

The plane had taken off from Bangkok and was en route to Muan International Airport on 29 December. Three minutes after establishing contact with the control tower, the crew was warned about “bird activity.”

Shortly after, the pilot confirmed a bird strike and issued a mayday. The aircraft attempted an emergency landing but overran the runway and crashed into a concrete navigation system, which exploded on impact.

The report noted that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders stopped working about four minutes before the crash.

Experts suggest the concrete barriers may have exacerbated the disaster, raising concerns about runway safety.

Following this incident, South Korea’s transport ministry has announced plans to modify the concrete barriers at seven airports nationwide to enhance safety measures.

The preliminary findings have been shared with international aviation authorities, including the United Nations, the US, France, and Thailand.