Duck DNA Discovered in Crashed South Korea Plane Engines!

A preliminary investigation into the tragic crash of a Jeju Air plane in South Korea last month has found remnants of ducks in both engines of the aircraft. The six-page document, unveiled a month following the incident, reveals the presence of DNA from Baikal Teals, migratory ducks known to visit South Korea in large numbers during the winter. However, the report stops short of drawing any initial conclusions regarding the absence of the plane's landing gear upon landing or the cessation of the flight data recorders' functioning in the flight's final moments.

The fatal incident occurred on December 29 when the Jeju Air flight from Bangkok failed to stop on the runway of Muan Airport, resulting in an emergency belly landing. The plane crashed into an embankment housing navigation equipment, leading to the deaths of nearly all 181 passengers and crew members, with only two survivors. The aftermath of the crash saw the aircraft engulfed in flames and a partial explosion, with both engines buried in the embankment and debris scattered across a significant area.

The report elaborates on the severe impact of the crash, with the aircraft's fore fuselage strewn about 30-200 meters away from the embankment. It also mentions the localiser, a navigation aid that likely exacerbated the high casualty rate due to its construction from reinforced concrete and earth. The embankment and the localiser, which supports the navigation system's antennae at Muan airport, played a part in the catastrophic outcome.

Next Steps in the Investigation

Looking forward, the investigation will involve a thorough examination of the engines, in-depth analysis of the components, and scrutiny of in-flight and air traffic control data. The focus will also extend to the embankment, localisers, and any indicators of a bird strike. "These all-out investigation activities aim to determine the accurate cause of the accident," stated the report, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the ongoing inquiry.

The report also touches upon the initial findings shared with the families of the victims this Saturday, including the pilots' awareness of a bird flock during the plane's final approach. Although the exact moment the pilots reported the bird strike remains unverified, the aircraft issued an emergency signal (Mayday x 3) due to the bird strike while attempting a go-around. The disappearance of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) recordings just before the emergency declaration remains unexplained.

At the time when the flight recorders ceased, the aircraft was flying at an altitude of 498 feet (152 meters) and a speed of 161 knots (298 km/h or 185 mph), approximately 1.1 nautical miles (2 km or 1.3 miles) from the runway. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a U.N. body, mandates the release of a preliminary report within 30 days of an accident and encourages the publication of a final report within 12 months. The findings have been shared with ICAO, Thailand, and the home countries of the plane and engine manufacturers, the United States and France, as confirmed by a South Korean official on Monday.

Wrapping up, the investigation into the Jeju Air disaster is ongoing, with efforts focused on explaining the reasons behind the tragic event. Through detailed examination and analysis, authorities aim to uncover the circumstances that led to one of South Korea's deadliest air disasters, keeping in mind the gravity of the loss and the need for closure for the families affected.