Families of Crash Victims Reject Findings Pointing to Pilot Error
An investigation into the tragic Jeju Air plane crash that occurred last December has revealed that the pilot mistakenly shut down the wrong engine during the emergency landing. This incident, which resulted in the deaths of 179 out of 181 passengers, has sparked outrage among the victims’ families, who feel that the investigation has unfairly placed blame on the pilot while overlooking other critical factors. The release of the official report has been postponed due to protests from these families, who are demanding a more comprehensive examination of the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Details of the Crash
On December 29, 2022, Jeju Air Flight 2216 encountered a bird strike as it approached Muan International Airport. The pilots issued a mayday call and attempted to land the aircraft from an alternate direction. Eyewitness video footage captured the plane making a belly landing without its landing gear deployed, ultimately skidding into a concrete barrier. This tragic event marked the deadliest plane crash in South Korean history, with only two survivors among the 181 individuals on board.
Following the crash, the aircraft’s engines were sent to France for a thorough analysis. The findings from South Korea’s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board indicated that the pilot had mistakenly turned off the left engine, which was undamaged, instead of the right engine, which had sustained significant damage from the bird strike. This misjudgment has been a focal point of the investigation, but families of the victims argue that the report fails to address the role of the concrete barrier in exacerbating the accident’s severity.
Families Demand Accountability
The families of the victims have expressed their frustration with the investigation’s findings, accusing officials of scapegoating the pilot while neglecting other contributing factors. They have called for a fair and transparent investigation, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of all aspects of the crash. In a statement, the bereaved families urged investigators to hold a press briefing only after a thorough examination has been completed, highlighting their desire for accountability.
The Jeju Air pilots’ union has echoed these sentiments, criticizing the investigation for its focus on pilot error while downplaying other significant factors that may have contributed to the crash. A source familiar with the investigation, however, stated that the findings would remain unchanged, citing clear evidence and supporting data that back the conclusions drawn by the investigators.
Regulatory Changes and Legal Actions
In response to the crash, South Korea’s transport ministry announced plans in January to remove concrete barriers at seven airports to enhance safety measures. This decision reflects a growing recognition of the need to address potential hazards that could lead to similar incidents in the future.
Additionally, in May, the families of the victims took legal action by filing a criminal complaint against Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae, alleging professional negligence. Kim is among 24 individuals currently under investigation by police regarding their involvement in the accident. As the investigation continues, the families remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice and clarity surrounding the tragic events of that fateful day.
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