Jeju Air crash new updates: Preliminary report suggests bird strike as the primary cause

The MOLIT report revealed that DNA from Baikal Teals, a small duck species native to eastern Asia, was found in both engines of the Boeing 737-800. Pilots reportedly observed a flock of birds near the runway at 08:58:56 local time, shortly before declaring an emergency (Mayday x 3) due to a bird strike during a go-around maneuver.

The report describes significant damage to the aircraft:

The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) ceased recording at 08:58:50, leaving a four-minute gap before the aircraft struck the embankment at 09:02:57 local time. At the time of the recording stoppage, the aircraft was traveling at 161 knots and at an altitude of 498 feet. The report does not clarify why both recorders failed simultaneously.

The Jeju Air crash underscores the risks posed by bird strikes in aviation, an issue highlighted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). MOLIT and ARAIB aim to provide actionable recommendations to mitigate such risks in the future.