Jeju Air Crash: Victims’ Families Challenge Pilot Error Findings, Delaying Report Release

Victims’ families are vehemently criticizing the findings of the Jeju Air Flight 2216 crash investigation, which reportedly attributes the devastating December accident primarily to pilot error. The release of the full report, initially slated for last weekend, has been delayed following protests from the bereaved families, who accuse investigators of overlooking critical contributing factors, particularly a concrete barrier the plane struck.

The families contend that the concrete mound at the end of the Muan International Airport runway significantly amplified the crash’s severity, arguing that investigators are unfairly pinning the blame solely on the pilot. This sentiment is echoed by the Jeju Air pilots’ union, which has also questioned the report’s alleged focus on pilot misjudgment while downplaying other elements.

The fatal incident occurred on December 29, when Jeju Air Flight 2216, carrying 181 people, experienced a bird strike on one of its engines during approach to Muan. Reports indicate that an investigation by South Korea’s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board found the pilot mistakenly shut off the functional left engine instead of the damaged right one. The aircraft subsequently made a belly landing without landing gear, skidding into the concrete barrier, resulting in 179 fatalities.

While investigators reportedly assert they have ‘clear evidence and backup data’ supporting their findings, the families are demanding a ‘fair and transparent investigation’ and a comprehensive press briefing only after a thorough examination. The aftermath of the crash has already seen South Korea’s transport ministry announce plans in January to remove similar concrete barriers at seven airports. Furthermore, in May, victims’ families filed a criminal complaint against Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae for professional negligence, as part of an ongoing investigation involving 24 individuals.

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