Bird Strike Suspected in Deadly Jeju Air Crash at Muan Airport

MUAN, South Korea — A preliminary investigation into the deadly Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport on Dec. 29, 2024, has revealed evidence of a bird strike, with blood and feathers found in both engines of the aircraft. The crash, which killed 179 people, has raised concerns about the risks posed by wildlife strikes to aviation safety worldwide.

The Boeing 737, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, crashed into an embankment at the end of the runway during its approach. Only two crew members survived. The Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) released a report on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, stating that the last four minutes and seven seconds of cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) recordings are missing, complicating efforts to determine the exact cause of the crash.

According to the report, air traffic control warned the pilots of bird activity just before the recordings stopped. Feathers and blood from a Baikal teal, a migratory Siberian duck, were discovered on the engines, indicating a bird strike occurred during the final moments of the flight. However, it remains unclear how much the strike contributed to the crash.

Muan International Airport, located near wetlands and a coastal area, has one of the highest rates of bird strikes in South Korea, with nine reported incidents between 2019 and 2023. The airport’s proximity to bird habitats, including migratory paths, increases the risk of such collisions.

Globally, bird strikes are a significant concern for aviation safety. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reported over 270,000 wildlife strikes between 2016 and 2021, with 3% causing damage to aircraft. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data shows similar trends, with over 90% of incidents resulting in no damage. Most strikes occur during takeoff or landing, when aircraft are at lower altitudes.

Phil Shaw, founder of Avisure, an aviation risk consultancy, noted that while most bird strikes do not result in fatalities, the potential for disaster remains. “The Hudson River incident in 2009 and the Ural Airlines emergency landing in a cornfield are examples of how fortunate circumstances can prevent tragedies,” he said.

The ARAIB plans to conduct a thorough investigation, including engine disassembly, analysis of CVR/FDR data, and examination of the embankment and bird strike evidence. The findings could lead to improved safety measures and training for pilots and air traffic controllers.

As the investigation continues, the Jeju Air crash serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by wildlife strikes in aviation and the need for enhanced prevention and response strategies.