A preliminary report on the December 29 Boeing 737-800 crash at Muan International Airport found blood and feathers in both engines, suggesting a flock of Baikal teal birds caused the accident. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders stopped working before the crash, with the final four minutes missing.
Air traffic control had warned the plane about bird activity shortly before the crash. The Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board plans to disassemble the engines for further investigation.
The crash killed 179 people, making it South Korea’s deadliest air disaster. Only two survivors, both flight attendants, sustained severe injuries.
The victims, ranging from 3 to 78 years old, included a 3-year-old child. Families of the victims are demanding answers as they mourn their loss.
