South Korea's authorities have submitted a preliminary accident report to the UN aviation agency and to the authorities of the United States, France, and Thailand regarding last month's Jeju Air plane crash. The investigation into the deadliest air disaster on the country's soil is ongoing, focusing on the role of a 'bird strike' and analyzing the engines and the 'localizer' landing guidance structure.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requires accident investigators to produce a preliminary report within 30 days of the accident. The Boeing 737-800 jet overshot the runway during an emergency belly landing, crashing into the localizer structure and resulting in the tragic loss of all but two of the 181 people and crew members on board.
Experts have suggested that the localizer structure at Muan airport may have contributed to the disaster. The preliminary report revealed initial findings, including the pilots discussing a flock of birds on the final approach. The report mentioned that both engines were examined, with feathers and bird blood stains found on each.
After the crash, a fire and partial explosion occurred, with both engines buried in the embankment's soil mound. The report did not provide a definitive reason for the data recorders stopping recording simultaneously before the pilots declared mayday. The aircraft was flying at an altitude of 498 ft at 161 knots when the black boxes stopped recording.
The investigation aims to determine the accurate cause of the accident, with further analysis and findings expected in the coming months as the investigation progresses.
