Preliminary Report on Jeju Air Crash Points to Bird Strike as Likely Cause

South Korean aviation authorities have released the preliminary report on the tragic crash of Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800 (registration HL8088), which claimed the lives of 179 individuals and left two others critically injured. The devastating accident occurred at Muan International Airport (RKJB) on December 29, 2024, at approximately 9:03 AM local time.

Overview of Jeju Air Crash

Flight 7C2216 departed Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (VTBS) at 4:30 AM local time, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members. The flight proceeded without notable issues until its approach to Muan International Airport. The airport’s control tower granted clearance for runway 01 at 8:54:43 AM, cautioning the crew at 8:57:50 AM about active bird activity in the vicinity.

At 8:58:50 AM, both the aircraft’s flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) ceased recording. Moments later, the crew declared an emergency (Mayday), reporting a bird strike while initiating a go-around at 8:58:56 AM.

The aircraft made a right-hand turn to attempt a landing on runway 19 but failed to lower its landing gear. This resulted in a belly landing, with the aircraft skidding off the runway and colliding with a localizer structure, which led to a catastrophic fire and explosions.

The crash resulted in the deaths of 179 people, including four crew members. The remaining two cabin crew members sustained serious injuries. No casualties were reported on the ground. The aircraft was completely destroyed by fire and explosion.

Jeju Air Crash Preliminary Report: Aircraft History and Flight Crew Experience

The crash Preliminary Report provides extensive details about the aircraft and its crew:

• Aircraft Details: HL8088, a Boeing 737-800, was manufactured by Boeing and initially delivered to Ryanair on September 4, 2009. Jeju Air acquired the aircraft via lease on February 3, 2017.
• Captain’s Experience: The captain had logged a total of 6,823 flight hours, including 6,096 on the Boeing 737, with 2,559 hours as the captain.
• First Officer’s Experience: The first officer had 1,650 total flight hours, with 1,339 hours on the Boeing 737.

Jeju Air Crash Preliminary Report: Weather Conditions

At the time of the crash, weather conditions were relatively stable. Observations from Muan International Airport at 9:00 AM local time reported light winds from 110° at 2 knots, visibility of 9,000 meters, few clouds at 4,500 feet, a temperature of 2°C, and no significant meteorological changes.

Wreckage and Site Details

Jeju Air Crash Preliminary Report included a grim description of the accident site:

• The aircraft collided with an embankment, resulting in a fire and partial explosions.
• Both engines were buried in the embankment’s soil.
• The wreckage was scattered over a distance of 30 to 200 meters, with the tail section partially burned and found just beyond the embankment.

What did Jeju Air Crash Preliminary Report Mention about the Flight Recorders?

Both the FDR and CVR stopped recording at 8:58:50 AM, approximately four minutes and seven seconds before the aircraft collided with the localizer structure at 9:02:57 AM. At the time of data cessation, the aircraft’s speed was recorded at 161 knots, with an altitude of 498 feet.

Next Steps in the Investigation

The Korean Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) has outlined in their Jeju Air Crash Preliminary Report an extensive investigation plan:

• Focus areas include bird strike analysis, engine examination, detailed review of FDR and CVR data, air traffic control communications, and component inspections.
• The ARAIB is collaborating with international counterparts, including the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA), to uncover the root causes.
• Safety recommendations may be issued as needed during the investigation process.

While the preliminary report sheds light on the events leading to the crash, investigators continue their work to determine the exact circumstances and contributing factors. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’

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