Jeju Air Accident: Key Factors and Ongoing Investigation

Redacción - Aviación al Día

5 months ago

The tragic accident of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which occurred on December 29 during an emergency landing at Muan Airport, South Korea, has left the aviation world in suspense. This incident, which became the deadliest air disaster on South Korean soil, presents a challenge for investigators due to the lack of complete black box data and the complexity of the factors involved.

Summary of the Accident

The flight, originating from Bangkok, faced a critical situation during its final approach. The pilots issued a “Mayday” emergency declaration due to a bird strike during a “go-around” maneuver. On a second attempt to land, the aircraft overran the runway and collided with a wall housing a navigation system known as ILS (Instrument Landing System). The impact caused an explosion and fire, resulting in the deaths of 179 of the 181 people on board.

Key Factors Identified

Collision with Migratory Birds: The preliminary six-page report, published a month after the accident, confirmed that DNA from Baikal Teals, a type of migratory duck that frequents South Korea in winter, was found in both engines. Bird strikes are typically risky, but it is extremely rare for both engines to be affected simultaneously.

Impact with the Wall and ILS: The wall, constructed with reinforced concrete, amplified the consequences of the accident, according to experts. This structural element severely damaged the aircraft and contributed to the high number of casualties.

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Black Box Failures: The flight recorders stopped functioning approximately four minutes before the impact, making it difficult to reconstruct the final moments of the flight. This highlights a known issue in aircraft built before 2010 when it was not mandatory to include backup batteries to extend recording time in the event of electrical failures.

Ongoing Investigation

The South Korean Aviation and Railroad Accident Investigation Board is conducting a comprehensive analysis that includes:

Engine Disassembly: Detailed examinations will be conducted to identify mechanical failures or damage related to the bird strike.
Study of the Wall and Locators: This aims to determine the role of airport infrastructure in the accident.
Synchronization of Available Data: Although the recorders failed, air traffic control data and flight logs prior to the failure are being analyzed.

Historical and Comparative Context

Accidents caused by bird strikes are rare, but there are precedents of successful landings under such circumstances, such as the famous “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009 and the landing in a cornfield in Russia in 2019. These cases demonstrate that, while the risks are high, pilot training and experience can make a significant difference.

South Korea has shared its initial findings with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and with the countries involved in the manufacturing of the aircraft and its engines, including the United States, France, and Thailand. In accordance with global guidelines, a final report is expected within a year.

Source: Reuters