Bird Feathers and Blood Stains Found in Engines of South Korean Plane

Bird Strike Likely Cause of Fatal South Korean Plane Crash: Investigators Uncover New Evidence

A tragic plane crash in South Korea has claimed the lives of 179 people, and new evidence suggests that a bird strike may have played a significant role in the disaster. The flight, Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, was a Boeing 737-800 that crashed into a wall at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024. The incident, which resulted in one of the deadliest crashes in South Korean aviation history, has left many seeking answers.

A preliminary report released on January 27, 2025, provided chilling new details about the cause of the crash. According to the report, feathers and blood stains were found in both engines of the aircraft, indicating that a bird strike occurred just before the plane went down. Investigators believe that a flock of Baikal teal, a migratory bird species commonly found in East Asia, was likely involved in the collision. These findings suggest that the bird strike may have caused critical engine failure, which may have contributed to the plane’s loss of control.

Critical Evidence: Missing Flight Data and Cockpit Recordings

The investigation also revealed alarming information regarding the plane’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders. Both devices stopped functioning just before the crash, and the final four minutes of the recordings are missing. This raises serious concerns about the final moments of the flight and whether critical information was lost due to the malfunction.

According to reports from ABC News, just before the data cut out, air traffic control had warned the flight crew about bird activity in the vicinity of the airport. The last communication with the aircraft was a cautionary message urging the pilots to be cautious of potential bird strikes. Unfortunately, the absence of the final minutes of data makes it difficult to fully understand what went wrong in the moments leading up to the disaster.

Victims and Survivors

The tragedy has left families mourning the loss of loved ones, with victims’ ages ranging from as young as 3 years old to 78 years old. Most of the passengers were in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, according to earlier reports. Among the victims was a 3-year-old boy, whose death has added to the heartbreak of this tragic event.

Despite the overwhelming loss of life, there were two survivors aboard the flight: both were flight attendants who were rescued from the tail section of the wreckage. The South Korean news agency Yonhap reported that the flight attendants suffered “mid to severe” injuries, but they were fortunate enough to survive the crash. Their heroic survival has provided some sense of hope amidst the devastation.

The crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 is one of the deadliest air disasters in South Korean history, and the grief felt by the families of the victims has only been compounded by the uncertainty surrounding the cause of the crash. As the investigation continues, many are seeking answers and justice for the lives lost that fateful day.

A Call for Answers and Accountability

The discovery of a potential bird strike as the primary cause of the crash has raised further questions about the safety measures in place at Muan International Airport and the procedures followed by the airline. While bird strikes are not uncommon in aviation, this incident highlights the dangers they pose to both aircraft and passengers.

Families of the victims have expressed outrage and sorrow, demanding a full and transparent investigation into the events leading up to the crash. As the investigation unfolds, officials will be under pressure to determine whether there were lapses in protocol or other factors that contributed to the tragic loss of life.

South Korea’s aviation industry has long been regarded as one of the safest in the world, but this crash has shaken public confidence and raised concerns about the potential risks posed by bird strikes. Moving forward, it is likely that more stringent measures will be put in place to protect aircraft from similar incidents in the future.

Conclusion

The crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 is a devastating tragedy that has left a lasting impact on the families of the victims and the broader South Korean community. With new evidence pointing to a bird strike as a possible cause of the crash, the investigation is now focused on determining whether additional factors contributed to the disaster. While two flight attendants miraculously survived the crash, the loss of 179 lives remains a profound tragedy. As authorities continue to piece together the final moments of the flight, the need for answers and accountability remains paramount.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by aviation professionals and passengers, and it highlights the importance of constant vigilance and safety measures to prevent such disasters in the future.