Jeju Air Crash Report Sparks Outrage Among Victims' Families

The investigation’s findings have ignited protests, as victims' families seek a comprehensive review of all factors leading to the tragic accident.

Families mourning the loss of loved ones in the devastating Jeju Air crash from December have launched a vehement condemnation of a new report pointing to pilot error as the primary cause. According to local media, an inquiry revealed that the pilot mistakenly shut down the wrong engine, exacerbating an already dire situation. This report, which was expected to be released over the weekend, has faced delays due to the uproar from victims' families who argue it unfairly places blame on the pilot while overlooking other critical elements.

The catastrophic incident, which occurred as Flight 2216 approached Muan International Airport, resulted in 179 fatalities—the deadliest air accident recorded in South Korea's history. On that fateful morning, the pilots reported a dangerous bird strike, initiating an emergency landing procedure, attempting to land from an alternate direction. Eyewitness footage captured the aircraft dangerously skidding along the runway, resulting in a fiery crash against a concrete barrier.

Initial investigations indicated that both engines had been sent to France for further examination, leading to findings from South Korea's Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board that deemed pilot error the root cause. Apparently, the pilot cut the power to the functioning left engine instead of the damaged right engine. Victims' families have publicly decried the report for neglecting the impact of the concrete barrier, which they argue was a critical factor in the severity of the crash.

In their statement, the bereaved families demanded a thorough and equitable investigation, asking that updates not be issued until all aspects of the tragedy have been duly evaluated. Echoing their sentiments, the pilots' union for Jeju Air called out the report for prioritizing pilot mistakes while insufficiently addressing other significant factors leading to the disaster.

Despite the agitation, sources privy to the investigation assert the findings will remain unchanged, citing clear evidence supporting their conclusions. In January, following public outcry, South Korea's transportation ministry announced plans to remove concrete barriers at various airports—a move seen as an effort to mitigate future accidents.

In a related development, families have filed a criminal complaint targeting Jeju Air’s CEO Kim E-bae for alleged professional negligence, involving a total of 24 individuals currently being scrutinized by authorities regarding their connection to the accident.