Victims' Families Demand Accountability in Jeju Air Crash Investigation

The aftermath of the Jeju Air crash has ignited a passionate outcry from victims' families who reject the recent investigative findings that single out pilot error as the main cause of the tragedy.

An investigation into the tragic Jeju Air crash that occurred last December revealed that pilot error was a key factor, as the pilot mistakenly shut down the wrong engine, according to local media. However, the delayed release of these findings has been met with intense protests from the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.

In an emotional statement, the bereaved families expressed their frustration, stating that the report unfairly places the blame on the pilot while neglecting other critical factors that contributed to the accident. Of the 181 passengers and crew aboard Jeju Air Flight 2216, 179 lost their lives when the aircraft crashed into a concrete barrier during an ill-fated landing at Muan International Airport—marking it as the deadliest aviation incident in South Korea's history.

On the fateful morning of December 29, the flight reported a bird strike and initiated a mayday call while attempting to land. As video footage shows, the aircraft executed a belly landing without deploying its landing gear and subsequently skidded into a concrete barrier. Following the incident, both engines of the aircraft were sent to France for further examination. Findings issued by South Korea's Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board revealed that the pilot shut down the left engine—free of defects—rather than the right engine that sustained substantial damage due to the bird strike.

The families have vocally criticized the investigation for failing to address the existence of the concrete barrier, arguing that it exacerbated the severity of the crash. They are calling for a comprehensive and impartial inquiry, urging investigators only to hold press briefings after completing a thorough examination.

The Jeju Air pilots' union echoed these concerns, asserting that the fault was overly attributed to the pilot's judgment while minimizing other significant factors. Despite the families' claims, a source familiar with the investigation indicated that the findings will remain unchanged, citing "clear evidence and backup data."

In the wake of the tragedy, the South Korean transport ministry announced plans in January to remove concrete barriers from seven airports to mitigate future risks. Meanwhile, in May, families of the victims filed a criminal complaint against Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae, alleging professional negligence. Kim is among 24 individuals currently under police investigation for their involvement in the incident.