After the crash of Jeju Air flight 7C2216, investigators found bird feathers in one of the engines recovered from the scene. On December 29, 2024, a Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air lost control during a belly landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea, crashing into a concrete wall and bursting into flames, resulting in the tragic deaths of 179 people.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but preliminary analysis suggests bird strikes, landing gear failure, and runway obstacles as potential factors. According to investigators, the pilot was warned of a possible bird strike after the first failed landing attempt, and during the second landing, the landing gear failed to deploy, ultimately leading to the crash.
A joint investigative team from South Korea and the United States found bird feathers in one of the engines recovered from the aircraft involved. Chief investigator Lee Seung-yeol stated that this indicates a bird strike on the engine. He also mentioned that video footage shows the engine experiencing a bird strike during the accident.
However, investigators emphasize that bird strikes do not necessarily lead to immediate engine failure, and further investigation is needed to determine if the bird strike affected both engines.
South Korean Minister of Transport Park Sang-woo expressed responsibility for the incident and stated his intention to resign at the appropriate time. As the investigation deepens, the South Korean government has decided to establish a 15-member special committee composed of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the opposition Democratic Party to investigate the cause of the accident, provide support to the families of the victims, and further review aviation safety issues including airport facilities.
Following the crash, concerns have been raised over Jeju Air’s operational and maintenance practices. Authorities have conducted surprise inspections at Muan Airport, Jeju Air’s headquarters, and other relevant offices. Investigators pointed out potential design flaws in the concrete embankment at the end of the runway, particularly the rigid design of the “localizer antenna” it supports, which is too close to the runway and could exacerbate damage in case of accidents.
Deputy Minister of Civil Aviation Joo Jong-wan acknowledged that safety measures during embankment construction were insufficient but stated that the construction complied with relevant Korean and international regulations.
In addition to investigating bird strikes and runway facility issues, the repair and analysis of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) are crucial aspects of the investigation. The investigative team plans to release some key audio recordings in the coming days, which will help clarify the detailed sequence of events.
The South Korean government has also instructed all airlines to conduct emergency inspections of their Boeing 737-800 aircraft to ensure the proper functioning of critical equipment such as landing gear.
The South Korean society has reacted strongly to the plane crash, with the public and families of the victims expressing deep mourning. Families of the victims held a memorial service at the accident site, expressing infinite sorrow for their loved ones. This tragedy once again underscores the global emphasis on aviation safety and calls for increased accountability from governments and relevant institutions.
As the investigation progresses, the truth may gradually be revealed. Investigative agencies state that they will further determine the cause of the accident based on subsequent data analysis and release more details in the future.