Investigation Uncovers Pilot Error in Jeju Air Crash
A South Korea-led probe into the Jeju Air Flight 2216 catastrophe, which occurred on December 29, 2024, at Muan Airport, reveals that pilots mistakenly shut down the less-damaged left engine after a bird strike instead of the heavily-impacted right one.
Key Findings:
Investigators used cockpit voice recordings, flight computer data, and wreckage analysis to confirm that the pilots shut off the wrong engine during the emergency.
The crash, involving a Boeing 737‑800, claimed 179 lives out of 181 onboard, marking the deadliest air disaster in South Korean history.
Engine inspections showed no pre-existing mechanical faults before the bird strike.
Growing Tensions:
Families of the victims protested the early briefing, accusing authorities of prematurely assigning blame to the pilots without considering critical factors like the aircraft’s collision with a runway embankment.
The pilots’ union echoed these concerns, asserting the crew could have safely landed with one engine and demanding a broader investigation into structural, procedural, and organizational issues.
What’s Next:
The Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) has delayed a full public disclosure amid pushback from families.
An official final report, which under international aviation standards must include a thorough analysis of all contributing factors, is expected within one year of the crash.
This investigation highlights how human error during high-pressure situations can compound emergencies, and the unfolding scrutiny suggests there will be significant debate over accountability and safety protocols in South Korea’s aviation sector.