Key Takeaways:

• Preliminary report reveals bird remains found in both engines of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800.
• A total of 179 fatalities were reported in the crash, South Korea's deadliest aviation disaster.
• Investigation focuses on the role of bird strikes and the concrete structure at Muan International Airport.

SEOUL, Jan 27 (Reuters) - South Korean authorities investigating the Jeju Air plane crash that occurred last month have submitted a preliminary accident report to the United Nations Aviation Agency, alongside respective authorities from the United States, France, and Thailand. The report, which underscores the role of potential bird strikes, is part of ongoing inquiries into the incident, which left 179 deceased among the 181 onboard on December 29.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) mandates that investigators issue a report within 30 days, which was duly met. Investigators found feathers and blood stains consistent with those of the Baikal teal, a migratory duck, in the engines of the Boeing 737-800 jet. Early findings indicated that both engines exhibited signs of a bird strike, complicating the assessment of the incident’s cause.

The airplane was on its way from Bangkok to Muan International Airport when it made an emergency belly landing due to landing gear failure, subsequently crashing into a localizer structure. This particular structure reportedly guides aircraft during landings and was likely a contributing factor in the severity of the crash according to experts. The report pointedly noted that the crew observed a flock of birds shortly before the distress signal was made.

The BBC highlighted that time markers during the flight indicated that the aircraft's data and voice recorders stopped operating approximately four minutes before the incident. Investigation timelines suggest that air traffic controllers alerted the crew to potential bird activity just moments before the accident.

In light of these preliminary findings, South Korea's Transport Ministry announced plans to reform airport safety protocols, including modifications to the concrete structures at Muan Airport. Authorities are also conducting extensive examinations of the crash site and the aircraft components.

As the investigation continues, the aviation community and authorities remain focused on understanding the definitive causes behind this tragic event. The preliminary report has already been disseminated to relevant international aviation bodies as part of ongoing collaborative efforts to enhance air safety.

For continued updates on this investigation, follow SCMP, AP News, and Al Jazeera.