Mon Jan 27 07:35:27 UTC 2025: ## Bird Strikes Cited in Preliminary Report on Fatal South Korea Plane Crash
**Seoul, South Korea** – A preliminary report into the December 29th Jeju Air plane crash at Muan International Airport has revealed bird strikes as a contributing factor. The report, released Monday, confirmed the presence of Baikal Teal feathers and blood in both engines of the Boeing 737-800. While the cause of the accident remains undetermined, the discovery of bird remains is a key finding in the ongoing investigation.
The crash tragically resulted in the deaths of 180 of the 181 people on board. The report also noted that the aircraft’s black boxes stopped recording four minutes before impact. Investigators are analyzing the DNA of the bird remains to determine the exact species and if multiple birds were involved.
The incident involved a failed landing gear deployment, causing the plane to skid off the runway and collide with a concrete structure at the end of the runway. Experts have criticized the design of this structure, suggesting that lighter materials could have mitigated the impact. Air traffic controllers reportedly warned the pilot of potential bird strikes two minutes before the distress signal was issued. South Korean authorities have already announced plans to remove the concrete structure. The investigation is ongoing.
First Piper 