• Preliminary accident report confirms bird strikes caused by Baikal teals, found in both engines.
• Crash occurred on December 29, killing 179 of the 181 on board; emergency landing attempts failed.
• Investigation raises concerns over the concrete localizer structure at Muan International Airport.
• ICAO guidelines require further detailed investigation within 12 months of the accident.
• Authorities plan to remove hazardous structures from airport runways to enhance safety.

South Korean authorities investigating the deadly Jeju Air plane crash have released a preliminary report confirming the presence of bird strike evidence in the aircraft's engines. The investigation centers on a Boeing 737-800 that tragically crashed on December 29, leaving 179 out of 181 passengers and crew dead. The preliminary findings, which include blood and feather samples identified as belonging to Baikal teals, a migratory duck species known for flying in large flocks, point to a bird strike as a critical contributing factor. Experts linked these findings to a warning issued to the pilots about potential bird activity just moments before the crash, according to BBC.

The aircraft had been on its way from Bangkok to Muan International Airport when it failed to deploy its landing gear and subsequently crashed into a reinforced concrete localizer structure, used to assist navigation during landings. This collision resulted in a devastating fire and explosion. Investigators revealed that the plane's black boxes stopped recording approximately four minutes before the crash, complicating efforts to fully ascertain the accident's cause, as noted by AP News.

Authorities from South Korea's Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board have shared their findings with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and relevant agencies from the United States, Thailand, and France. The report highlighted the importance of a detailed investigation process, which is mandated to be thorough and transparent, with final results expected within the next 12 months. Investigators pointed out that changes might be required regarding safety structures at airports nationwide to mitigate similar risks in future incidents, as emphasized by South China Morning Post.

This accident marks the deadliest air disaster in South Korea, underlining critical concerns over aviation safety standards and emergency preparedness in dealing with bird strikes. The intense scrutiny of this incident may lead to regulatory changes aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Further updates regarding the investigation and actions taken will be shared as they develop, with aviation safety remaining a top priority for the authorities involved.